Why is the Oscars' Trophy Worth Only $1? EXPLAINED - News18

Oscars Wicked Performance - A Night To Remember

Why is the Oscars' Trophy Worth Only $1? EXPLAINED - News18

By  Prof. Loraine Monahan

The 97th Academy Awards ceremony kicked off with a truly special moment, as the stars of the upcoming film "Wicked," Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, took to the stage. Their musical presentation, a medley of beloved tunes from the "Wizard of Oz" universe, definitely set a memorable tone for the whole evening. It was, you know, a very moving way to begin the festivities, drawing everyone into the magic right from the start.

This particular showing, featuring the vocal talents of both Ms. Erivo, who plays Elphaba, and Ms. Grande, taking on the role of Glinda, offered a look into the musical heart of their film. It was a rather sentimental gesture, honoring the long history of "Oz" while also giving a nod to their own much-anticipated picture. The audience, so it seemed, was quite taken by the artistry on display.

The choice to open the broadcast with these two performers, singing pieces connected to such a cherished story, was, in a way, a brilliant move. It connected generations of fans and created a feeling of shared wonder. People were, you know, really looking forward to seeing what these two would do, and they certainly delivered a powerful opening statement for the night's events.

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Cynthia Erivo – A Stellar Talent

Cynthia Erivo, a performer known for her powerful voice and stage presence, took on the character of Elphaba in the upcoming "Wicked" film. Her participation in the Oscars opening act was, you know, a clear highlight. She brings a certain depth to her roles, which was certainly on display during this musical moment.

She has a way of connecting with the emotional core of a song, making it feel very personal to the listener. This quality, in a way, makes her portrayal of the misunderstood green-skinned character something many people are eager to witness on the big screen. Her contribution to the Oscars wicked performance was, well, really quite something to experience.

Here are some details about Cynthia Erivo's role in the "Oscars Wicked Performance":

DetailDescription
Role in "Wicked"Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West)
Performance at OscarsOpened the 97th Academy Awards with a musical medley
Songs PerformedPart of a medley from "Wizard of Oz" universe, including "Home" and "Defying Gravity"
Co-PerformerAriana Grande

Ariana Grande – A Captivating Voice

Ariana Grande, widely recognized for her impressive vocal range and ability to deliver a tune with real feeling, plays Glinda in the "Wicked" movie. Her appearance at the Academy Awards, sharing the stage with Ms. Erivo, was, you know, a moment many had been waiting for. She has a knack for drawing people in with her singing, which was very evident that night.

Her work as Glinda, the good witch, is something fans are really looking forward to seeing come to life. She has a way of bringing a lightness and a warmth to her performances, which, in some respects, complements the more intense delivery of her co-star. Her part in the Oscars wicked performance was, quite frankly, a lovely addition to the evening's start.

Here are some details about Ariana Grande's role in the "Oscars Wicked Performance":

DetailDescription
Role in "Wicked"Glinda (the Good Witch)
Performance at OscarsOpened the 97th Academy Awards with a musical medley
Songs PerformedPart of a medley from "Wizard of Oz" universe, including "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Defying Gravity"
Co-PerformerCynthia Erivo

What Made the Oscars Wicked Performance Stand Out?

The musical segment put on by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande at the 97th Academy Awards was, in a way, more than just an opening act; it was a truly memorable event. It had a certain quality that made it stick in people's minds, you know, long after the night was over. There was a genuine feeling of excitement and emotion that filled the Dolby Theatre, making it a very special part of the ceremony.

The combination of their individual vocal strengths, paired with the beloved music, created a powerful start to the show. It was a display of artistry that, quite frankly, left many people feeling quite moved. The way they presented the songs, with a clear connection to the material, really showed their dedication to their roles and to the spirit of the "Oz" stories.

It was a moment that felt both grand and intimate, drawing everyone into the narrative of the performance. The atmosphere in the room was, you know, really electric, as the audience watched these two performers bring such iconic tunes to life. This particular Oscars wicked performance was, in a way, a testament to the enduring power of music and storytelling.

How Did the Oscars Wicked Performance Get Started?

The 97th Academy Awards ceremony began, you know, with a flourish, as the stars of "Wicked" took center stage. It wasn't just a simple walk-on; it was a thoughtfully put-together musical presentation designed to capture the audience's attention right away. The broadcast on ABC, as a matter of fact, started with this very medley, setting a very high bar for the rest of the evening.

Ariana Grande was the first to step into the spotlight, beginning the musical journey. Her presence alone, you know, created a buzz of anticipation among those watching. The initial moments of the performance were, in a way, carefully crafted to build up the excitement, leading into the familiar sounds that everyone knows and loves. It was a pretty smooth transition into the main event of the night.

The entire opening segment was, basically, a tribute to the enduring appeal of the "Wizard of Oz" universe, serving as a delightful welcome to the awards show. It was a clear signal that the evening would be filled with moments of wonder and celebration, starting with this truly captivating Oscars wicked performance.

The musical offering from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande at the Oscars was, you know, a carefully chosen collection of songs that spanned the "Wizard of Oz" universe. It wasn't just random tunes; each piece had a special place in the story's history, connecting the classic tale with the new "Wicked" film. The selection was, in a way, very smart, appealing to a wide range of listeners.

Ariana Grande started the medley with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," a tune that, as a matter of fact, is the signature song from the 1939 film adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz." This particular choice, you know, immediately brought a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the room, setting a very emotional tone for what was to come. It's a song that, basically, speaks to dreams and longing, making it a perfect opener.

Following that, Cynthia Erivo performed "Home," a song from the 1978 version of "The Wiz." This addition, you know, expanded the musical scope, showing the diverse interpretations of the "Oz" story over the years. The song "Home" carries a message of belonging and finding your place, which, in some respects, resonates with the themes of "Wicked."

The two performers then came together, holding hands, to conclude their act with a duet of "Defying Gravity." This song, as you might know, is a central piece from their film "Wicked," and it's a powerful anthem of self-discovery and breaking free. It was, you know, a very strong finish, bringing the energy to a peak and leaving a lasting impression on everyone watching the Oscars wicked performance.

Did the Oscars Wicked Performance Move the Audience?

The musical presentation by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande at the 2025 Oscars certainly had a profound effect on those watching, both in the theatre and at home. It was, you know, more than just a song; it was an emotional experience that touched many hearts. The feelings conveyed through their voices were, in a way, quite powerful, reaching across the room.

Reports from the event mentioned that Michelle Yeoh, along with other cast members from "Wicked," were visibly moved, some even shedding tears. This reaction, you know, really shows the deep connection people have to these songs and to the story being told. It was a moment of shared feeling, a very raw display of emotion that added another layer to the performance.

The entire room seemed to be holding its breath, absorbing every note and every word. The duo's ability to deliver such a moving medley created an atmosphere of genuine appreciation and, you know, a bit of awe. It's clear that this Oscars wicked performance will be remembered for its ability to stir such strong feelings in the audience.

The Film "Wicked" – Its Presence at the Awards

The upcoming film "Wicked" had a significant presence at the 2025 Academy Awards, even beyond the opening musical act. The movie itself, you know, received a very impressive number of nominations, showing that it was certainly on the minds of those who decide on these things. It was, in a way, a big night for the picture, even before its release.

The film gathered a total of 10 nominations at the ceremony, which is, you know, a pretty remarkable achievement for any movie. This included a nomination for Best Picture, which is, basically, the biggest award of the night. It truly speaks to the anticipation and the quality that people are expecting from this adaptation of the beloved musical.

While "Wicked" did not take home the top prize for Best Picture, with "Anora" ultimately winning that award, its numerous nominations still highlighted its standing as a major contender. The recognition it received at such a prestigious event, you know, really put it on the map for many who might not have been familiar with it before. The Oscars wicked performance and the nominations together created a strong buzz around the film.

The Team Behind the Oscars Wicked Performance

Bringing a performance of this scale to the Academy Awards stage requires a lot of effort from many talented people behind the scenes. The seamless flow and the visual appeal of the musical numbers at the 2025 Oscars were, you know, partly thanks to the supervising choreographer, Mandy Moore. She is, basically, the person responsible for the amazing dance movements and overall staging that viewers get to see.

Her work ensures that the performers not only sound wonderful but also move in a way that truly tells a story and captivates the audience. The precision and artistry involved in choreographing such a significant opening act are, in a way, immense. It's a testament to the hard work that goes into making these moments truly shine on a global stage.

The collective effort of the entire production team, from the musical directors to the stage designers, plays a crucial role in making these performances come to life. The Oscars wicked performance was, you know, a clear example of how many hands work together to create something truly memorable for everyone watching.

This article has explored the memorable "Oscars Wicked Performance" at the 97th Academy Awards. We looked at how Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande opened the show with a medley of songs from the "Wizard of Oz" universe, including "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "Home," and "Defying Gravity." We also touched upon the emotional impact the performance had on the audience and the significant number of nominations the "Wicked" film received at the ceremony. Finally, we considered the behind-the-scenes efforts that contributed to the success of the musical presentation.

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Detail Author:

  • Name : Prof. Loraine Monahan
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