The emotional duo shed tears backstage. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo opened up the 2025 Oscars with a jaw-dropping, standing-ovation-receiving, and chill-inducing performance. And after bringing their entire Wicked cast to tears,

Both Grande and Erivo shared the stage for a powerful rendition of "Defying Gravity" that included Erivo's viral riff. Erivo and Grande were each nominated for their roles in the

The performance began with Glinda actress Grande belting out 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' from The Wizard of Oz, before Elphaba star Erivo took over with a jaw-dropping rendition of 'Home', from the 'Oz'-inspired musical The Wiz.