Despite being incredible actresses, Wicked queens Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo really suck at lying IRL. They tried to brush off the rumors, but it’s been obvious for weeks that these icons were gonna do some kind of Wicked medley at the Oscars. They did indeed deliver a Wicked-themed medley, and they DEVOURED that performance.
The talented girlies are both nominated this evening — Ariana earned a nod in the Best Supporting Actress category, and Cynthia’s up for Best Actress. Wicked earned 10 nominations in total, including one for Best Picture. All The Academy members who didn’t vote for Cynthia and Ari are really kicking themselves right about now, I’m sure.
Although I’m aware that Cynthia and Ari are the best living vocalists, there was no way to prepare for their joint, divine slay at the Oscars. When The Academy teased a “spell-binding” duet ahead of the award show, that was a major understatement. Here’s everything to know about Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s Oscars Wicked medley, including the songs they performed. It wasn’t the set I expected!
What Did Ariana Grande And Cynthia Erivo Sing At The Oscars?
Ariana immediately gagged us all with a STUNNING rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and it was really giving pre-Wicked Ari vocals. (R&B Ari is still in there somewhere!) And she wore the most gorgeous, sparkly red gown I’ve ever seen in my life whilst delivering those life-changing vocals. Full body chills. Next, Cynthia took the stage in an absolutely insane, flower-adorned white dress, and she sang “Home” by Diana Ross — an unexpected, but deeply moving song choice. To no literally one’s surprise, her vocals were out of this fucking world too.
Following their solo performances, Cynthia and Ari performed a little bit of “Defying Gravity” while holding hands… I’m extremely unwell. Cynthia’s battle cry on the Oscars stage ate down. At the end of the performance, they showed Ethan Slater sobbing, and king, I’m right there with you.
Like The Hollywood Reporter article about their performance points out, “Erivo, Grande and the entire Wicked team couldn’t buy better publicity ahead of their film’s forthcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good.” Listen, I was gonna see the second film in theaters multiple times either way, but now I am somehow even more desperate The second Wicked movie comes out on November 21 later this year, and yes, I’m counting down.
When Ari was recently asked about the upcoming part two at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, she teased: “Well, it’s very special. It’s very emotional. I think the second movie really embodies unconditional love and forgiveness and friendship. And you’ll have to wait and see, but it is quite different.”
It’s safe to say I’ll be holding a record amount of space for this Oscars performance and Wicked in general.
