The 2025 Oscars began with an incredible tribute to California, and afterward, Ariana Grande was the first to take the stage. The singer and actress performed “Over the Rainbow” from the original “Wizard of Oz” while wearing a bright red dress, reminiscent of the red, ruby slippers.
Cynthia Erivo then sang “Home” from ‘The Wiz”. Following this, Grande came back out on stage, and the two belted “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked.”
The movie is nominated for 10 Academy Awards on March 2, with Erivo up for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Elphaba. Grande is nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role as Glinda.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Honor “Wicked” With Oscars Outfits
Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesErivo arrived in a custom Louis Vuitton ballgown that was a beautiful dark green velvet. It was perfect for the Wicked Witch of the West, whose favorite color is green. And she also got a special manicure that Erivo admitted was a tribute to Oz.
As for Grande, she stepped out in a baby pink Schiaparelli dress that had Glinda written all over it.
Ariana Grande’s Reaction to Her “Wicked” Oscar Nomination
Christina House / Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesWhen Grande learned that she had been nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars, she immediately took to Instagram with a very emotional reaction.
“Picking my head up in between sobs to say thank you so much to @theacademy for this unfathomable recognition. I cannot stop crying, to no one’s surprise,” Grande wrote in an Instagram post on January 23.
“I’m humbled and deeply honored to be in such brilliant company and sharing this with tiny Ari who sat and studied Judy Garland singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow just before the big, beautiful bubble entered. I’m so proud of you, tiny.”
“thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for this acknowledgement @theacademy,” she continued. “thank you @jonmchu, for taking this chance on me and for being the most unbelievably brilliant leader, human being, and most fierce friend. i am so deeply proud of my beautiful Wicked family. i am so proud of my Elphie, my sister, my dear @cynthiaerivo. your brilliance is never ending and you deserve every flower (tulip) in every garden. I love you unconditionally, always.”
“i don’t quite have all my words yet, i’m still trying to breathe but thank you. oh my goodness, thank you. Universal, Marc, my family, my heart,” she concluded.
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‘Wicked’ co-stars Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande Open the 2025 Oscars with Incredible Performance