Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande opened the 2025 Oscars with a surprising and shifting medley of music created for The Wizard of Oz and its hit movie variations, delivering a gorgeous tribute to film musical historical past with the songs chosen and their style selections.
Wearing a pink glittering robe made as an homage to Dorothy’s ruby slippers, Grande started the present by singing “Someplace Over the Rainbow.” The lighting design created a rainbow above her as she sang. As she left the stage, Erivo entered to sing “House” from The Wiz whereas wearing a white robe embellished with flowers.
Their medley was clearly crafted to honor the totally different movie Dorothys, iconically performed by Judy Garland and Diana Ross. Dorothy is anticipated to make an look in Depraved: For Good, the sequel popping out later this 12 months.
Kevin Winter / Getty Photos
The ultimate track of their medley was “Defying Gravity,” the roaring closing track from Depraved‘s first act that additionally closed out the primary film, nominated for 10 Oscars tonight together with Finest Image. They sang the track’s closing minutes, beginning with the second they begin to sing in tandem.
When it got here time for Erivo to “fly,” Grande stepped to the aspect and watched as Erivo rose up on a platform centerstage, evoking the sensation of the stage manufacturing in Depraved on Broadway. The track ended with Erivo’s now signature Elphaba battle cry, and the efficiency acquired an uproarious standing ovation from the star-studded crowd.
There was a second whereas Erivo was singing the place the digital camera refocused on Grande within the background, who was taking a look at her co-star with admiration. For longtime Depraved Broadway followers, this felt like a loving reference to the Tonys efficiency when Kristin Chenoweth appeared up at Idina Menzel in comparable admiration whereas performing the identical track.
Kevin Winter / Getty Photos
On the finish, the cameras panned to Grande and Erivo’s companions, Depraved costar Ethan Slater and Emmy-winner Lena Waithe, in addition to costar Michelle Yeoh (who was weeping, similar to us) and director Jon M. Chu, who was cheering in delight.
Followers instantly took to Twitter/X to reward the efficiency. See movies of and reactions to the efficiency under.
Full efficiency of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo on the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/hPevTrzzJ3
— Depraved Information Hub (@wickednewshub) March 3, 2025
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo get emotional backstage following their efficiency on the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/UvfgMt7y1w
— Depraved Information Hub (@wickednewshub) March 3, 2025
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande carry out “Defying Gravity” #Oscars2025 pic.twitter.com/H0uYGgIXLR
— ASTHTC (@theASTHTC) March 3, 2025
Love is actual #Oscars2025 pic.twitter.com/IgAwrKNdj6
— TV Insider (@TVInsider) March 3, 2025
Cynthia Erivo simply nailed the “Defying Gravity” Depraved riff on the Oscars wowwww pic.twitter.com/Mbmpz13Aq9
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) March 3, 2025
Ariana Grande admires Cynthia Erivo throughout their opening efficiency on the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/5puolW9imS
— Depraved Information Hub (@wickednewshub) March 3, 2025
cynthia erivo and ariana grande’s depraved efficiency #Oscar pic.twitter.com/ZmTE9gFcTg
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) March 3, 2025
Ariana Grande’s ode to The Wizard of Oz with “Someplace Over the Rainbow.” Cynthia Erivo’s ode to The Wiz with “House” and ending it with “Defying Gravity” from Depraved. Ohhhhhh I’m crying. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/ZC2iPR2qgl
— briana. 🎬🎥📽️🎞️ (@briasoboojie) March 3, 2025
Me watching Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande carry out Defying Gravity #oscars #Oscars2025 pic.twitter.com/YfeWlgAEYI
— Shay💋 (@sunshine0nme) March 3, 2025
the way it began the way it’s going#Oscars pic.twitter.com/9fFHcXDXcT
— depraved consolation (@wickedcomfort) March 3, 2025
Oh I really like this legacy celebration of all ‘The Fantastic Wizard of Oz’ movie variations! The homage to ‘The Wizard of OZ,’ ‘The Wiz,’ and passing the torch to ‘Depraved’ #Oscars pic.twitter.com/ONlgf3EGMH
— Daria 💕 (@dariacott) March 3, 2025
Look, I’m as cynical because it involves these things and I’m not massive fan of Depraved however the chemistry between Erivo and Grande + that track and the way they carry out it…sorry, kinda plain
— Brandon Streussnig (@BrndnStrssng) March 3, 2025
give this digital camera individual and the director of the #oscars a increase for this shot of ariana watching cynthia sing defying gravity pic.twitter.com/MmavpNKnG1
— Nora Dominick (@noradominick) March 3, 2025
going to wish 3 enterprise days to get better from cynthia and ariana performing defying gravity dwell #Oscars pic.twitter.com/Gfv1fP4gW2
— lily (@filmblvd) March 3, 2025
EMILIA PEREZ COULDN’T DO THIS BITCH! ARIANA AND CYNTHIA CONTROLLED IT pic.twitter.com/sdCCgRTAUJ
— a (@eligiblewanda) March 3, 2025
ariana and cynthia the long-lasting vocalists yall are… 5 minutes in and im moved to tears pic.twitter.com/Gv2TW391y0
— kie (@criminalplaza) March 3, 2025
ARIANA DOING THE WIZARD OF OZ AND CYNTHIA DOING THE WIZ!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/Pyok1fzLXL
— 💫 (@heyjaeee) March 3, 2025
ariana was so in awe watching cynthia carry out 🥹 pic.twitter.com/KNuI0CXkFm
— cameron (@cambeserious) March 3, 2025
it’s one factor to forged actresses so excellent for the roles, however getting two ladies whose voices mix so seamlessly is one thing else.. jon chu actually hit the jackpot with cynthia and ariana😭 pic.twitter.com/LlWIJ3eQrN
— AARON (@lidolmix) March 3, 2025
Ariana and Cynthia after their efficiency. I really like them. #Oscars2025 #Oscar #Depraved pic.twitter.com/J8u0wJiG7I
— Lee (@caseyleemoore) March 3, 2025