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 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,

The show opened with a montage of films set in Los Angeles, a tribute to the city after wildfires ravaged the city in January. Then the stars of “Wicked” launched into a series of performances from “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and the works it has inspired.