Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo bring Oscars A-listers to tears after emotional Defying Gravity in Wicked opening medley

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo delivered a breathtaking performance of Defying Gravity during the Wicked opening medley at the Oscars, leaving Hollywood’s biggest stars visibly emotional. Their powerhouse vocals and deep emotional connection to the song captivated the audience, drawing a standing ovation. The performance wasn’t just a preview of the highly anticipated film—it was a defining moment that reminded everyone why Wicked is a timeless classic.

There wasn’t a dry eye in Hollywood after the powerful pair belted out heartwrenching hits from the famed musical

ARIANA Grande and Cynthia Erivo have brought Oscars attendees to tears after performing Defying Gravity in an emotional medley from their hit musical Wicked.

The duo, who are both nominated tonight, opened up the 97th annual Academy Awards and had both those watching from home and the A-listers present at the Dolby Theatre sobbing.

Cynthia Erivo, left, and Ariana Grande perform Defying Gravity during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025Credit: AP:Associated Press

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande perform a Wicked medley at the 97th Annual Academy AwardsCredit: Rex Features
They performed a mix of the biggest hits from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and the Wicked Universe – with Ariana, 31, opening the performance with a tender version of Judy Garland’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow from the original 1939 film.

Cynthia, 38, then entered the stage and began to sing the ballad “Home” from The Wiz, a 1978 movie starring Michael Jackson and Diana Ross.

The pair ended the number with a powerful live duet of Defying Gravity.

Just before Cynthia nailed the Defying Gravity rift that famously ends the song, Ariana kissed her hand and ran to the side of the stage as she watched her co-star on with admiration.

Prior to their incredible opening number, the duo dazzled with different showstopping looks on the red carpet at the famed Hollywood theatre.

Ariana stunned in a gorgeous champagne ball gown fresh off the Schiaparelli runway. The Italian designer’s 2025 couture collection debuted at Paris Fashion Week last month.

The dress has a structured gold corset with a wide peplum sitting at the hips – where layers of sparkling gold tulle fell to the ground.

The pop star’s longtime stylist, Mimi Cuttrell, had the gown customized for Ariana to be more “Glinda-fied” – adding soft pink details with more than 190,000 crystal sequins, rhinestones, and cut beads in the skirt.

Ariana Grande stuns at the 97th Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles, CACredit: Rex

Cynthia Erivo arrives on the red carpet during the 97th annual Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby TheatreCredit: EPA
Designer Daniel Roseberry used silk to make the bodice, which was inspired by an Alberto Giacometti lamp to create the shape of the waist.

Cynthia dazzled in a forest green velvet Louis Vuitton ball gown with a large bow top, structured collar, and wide floor-length skirt.

Her long nails were a stunning accessory to the look, and the actress shouted out her nail artist, Mycah Dior, who “hand painted” the gorgeous details.

The Grammy winner’s stylist, Jason Bolden, said the look took “awhile” to put together as they wanted to honor Oz green with old Hollywood style.

Oscars 2025 red carpet: Ariana Grande and Elle Fanning lead the glamour at 97th Academy Awards

Cynthia Erivo pays tribute to Hollywood icon Hattie McDaniel in stunning velvet green gown at 2025 Oscars
Jason said the look also paid tribute to legendary actress Hattie McDaniel – the first Black person to win an Oscar.

Hattie became a Hollywood icon after she won Best Supporting Actress in 1940 for her role in Gone with the Wind.

Cynthia is nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her heart-wrenching performance as Elphaba in the worldwide smash Wicked.

Wicked 2024 Film Cast

The new film, adapted from the 2003 hit Broadway musical, features a star-studded cast.

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp

Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch

Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero

Ethan Slater as Boq

Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible

Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard of Oz

Marissa Bode as Nessarose

Actors with Supporting Roles Include: Bowen Yang, Keala Settle, Adam James, Bronwyn James, Peter Dinklage, Aaron Teoh, Colin Michael Carmichael, Grecia De la Paz

While her co-star and now close friend, Ariana, is nominated in the Best Actress in a Supporting Role category for playing the bubbly pink Glinda in the movie musical.

Wicked Part One became a pop culture sensation when it opened at number one at the box office in November – leading to a string of awards and a successful film soundtrack.

The sequel to the fantasy musical Wicked: For Good will be released in theaters on November 25, 2025 – bringing this epic two-part movie franchise to a close.