The 97th Academy Awards began with the “Wicked” film’s iconic duo, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, delivering a stellar performance and homage to the “Wizard of Oz” universe. Did we mention they looked right at home on that stage?
Instead of opening the program with Conan O’Brien’s monologue, The Academy shifted its opening act and, went aboard the nostalgia train with a medley of iconic songs from the “Wicked” cinematic universe. However, before the duo appeared, it featured a montage of movie scenes from various classic films, later transitioning into a tribute to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
Ariana slipped into a ruby-red ball gown (a reference to ruby-red slippers) and, sang a rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” a song made popular by the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, starring Judy Garland as Dorothy.
Nearing the song's finale, the background switched to a nighttime view of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California. Cynthia entered in a white ball gown embellished with various flowers, which layered the top through the waist.
She sang “Home,” from the 1978 film “The Wiz,” which is a Broadway interpretation of “The Wizard of Oz.” The film's highly successful adaptation features an all-Black cast, which signalled mainstream acceptance of works from an all-Black ensemble at the time.
Of course, a “Wicked” performance would not be complete without belting the powerful and iconic final act duet, “Defying Gravity.”
Even their “Wicked” co-stars were not immune to Cynthia’s singing voice, as the camera showed Ethan Slater (Boq) looking at his co-stars adoringly, while Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible) was brought to tears.
“Wicked” proved to be one of this year’s major film contenders, nabbing 10 nominations from numerous award shows, including categories for Best Picture, Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, and others. Meanwhile, Cynthia and Ariana are nominated for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress respectively, for “Wicked” at this year’s Oscars.
It seems that the wonderful world of Oz is here to stay, and Cynthia and Ariana will remain a duo that cannot be brought down.
Meanwhile, the second installment of the "Wicked" franchise, "Wicked: For Good," will premiere in theaters on November 2025.
