WICKED Stars Ariana Grande And Cynthia Erivo Set to Mesmerise at Oscars
The Oscars ceremony on 3 March 2025 will be unique for many reasons, not least of which is the presence of WICKED’s two leading ladies. Both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have been nominated—Grande for Best Supporting Actress, Erivo for Best Actress—and the film itself has racked up a staggering ten nominations, including Best Picture, Original Score, and Production Design. The Academy teased “a performance you won’t forget,” hinting strongly that these two will take to the stage for live renditions from the beloved musical.
Given that WICKED’s first cinematic outing (spanning two parts, with the second part due in November) has generated so much critical buzz, it’s no wonder the Oscars producers are keen to showcase the show’s iconic songs. Which number might they choose? Popular? For Good? Or perhaps Defying Gravity? The speculation alone is stirring up an unprecedented level of anticipation. According to a recent poll of theatre enthusiasts in an online Broadway forum, nearly 70% declared that a WICKED medley was their most likely guess for the Oscars telecast. So, if you’re planning a night in front of the TV, or if you’re lucky enough to be in the star-studded audience, brace yourself for goosebumps.
The Road To Oscar Glory
You might be asking: how did a film adaptation of a stage musical originally inspired by a twist on a classic children’s book achieve such accolades? For starters, WICKED has always had serious pedigree: the novel by Gregory Maguire was a bestseller, and the stage musical took the world by storm under the creative wings of Winnie Holzman (book) and Stephen Schwartz (score). They, along with Dana Fox, collaborated on the screenplay for this blockbuster adaptation. If you consider the unstoppable popularity of the stage show—one that’s broken box office records from Broadway to the West End—it was almost inevitable the film would attract a great deal of attention.
But turning a beloved stage musical into a cinematic spectacle is rarely straightforward. Audiences know the songs so well they can sing every note. The show’s devotees have strong opinions about who should play Elphaba and Glinda, or precisely how certain lines should be delivered. Any misstep, and you risk a backlash from fans who’ve treasured the stage production for years. Yet, the film’s ten Oscar nominations suggest it struck the right balance between creative fidelity and fresh invention. Credit also goes to the behind-the-scenes talents who transformed a theatrical experience into an immersive cinematic realm—earning nods for everything from Costume Design to Film Editing.
Ariana Grande’s Growth
For many pop music aficionados, Ariana Grande’s foray into theatre might seem like a lateral step. But the singer actually began her career in musical theatre productions such as 13, so playing Glinda in WICKED is very much a homecoming of sorts. She’s known for her four-octave vocal range and an uncanny ability to whip out whistle tones that make your hair stand on end. Indeed, her role in the film has earned her widespread acclaim—and an Oscar nomination. Quite the leap from pop star to Academy Award contender.
Yet, if you dig deeper, you’ll see how Ariana has been meticulously building this moment. She’s performed on Broadway, collaborated with major theatre stars in various specials, and never shied away from showing her musical theatre roots. This trajectory of bridging the gap between pop stardom and stage craft might well open doors for more crossovers in the future—imagine if more pop icons decided to revisit their stage training? The synergy could be electrifying.
A Theatrical Force: Cynthia Erivo
Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo hardly needs an introduction in the theatre world, having already bagged a Tony Award for her heart-stopping performance in The Colour Purple. She’s among that rare breed of performer who can inhabit a role so fully you almost forget she’s acting. Her portrayal of Elphaba, often considered a dream role for musical theatre aficionados, is said to be heartbreakingly powerful—blending unbridled vocal prowess with a nuanced emotional depth. So strong is her connection to the character that she’s landed a Best Actress nomination at the Oscars for her efforts.
One hidden detail that’s often overlooked is Erivo’s astonishing work ethic. During the film’s principal photography, it’s rumoured that she would practice certain songs multiple times after long days of filming simply to ensure every emotional note rang true. Hardly surprising, perhaps, but it underscores the dedication that has propelled her to the top of her field. Theatre insiders who visited the set have described her performance as “breathtaking,” a word that’s become something of a leitmotif whenever Erivo’s name comes up.
The Land Of Oz Revisited
WICKED invests its heart in the idea that no one is born good or evil—circumstances, prejudice, and misunderstandings can shape destinies. That moral complexity is one of the reasons it resonates so profoundly with audiences. The film adaptation doubles down on these themes, using expanded sets, vivid special effects, and a cinematic score to immerse viewers in a land of Oz that’s both familiar and brand new. Early trailers teased sumptuous, otherworldly landscapes that practically shimmer off the screen. The battered broomsticks and sparkling bubble transport you expect are there, yes, but so are grand ballrooms and a gritty, labyrinthine underbelly to the Emerald City.
When you watch Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Glinda—infused with bright optimism that teeters on self-delusion at times—and see her dynamic with Cynthia Erivo’s determined Elphaba, it offers a fresh lens on female friendship and rivalry. This relationship, equally tender and tense, is at the film’s emotional core. Perhaps that’s the real secret behind the film’s success: it doesn’t just rely on whizz-bang illusions or the novelty of seeing a musical on the big screen; it grounds the story in a deeply felt humanity.
One detail that might surprise even the biggest WICKED fans is how the film introduces variations in the music. According to a behind-the-scenes snippet from a cast member (shared discreetly on social media before quickly disappearing), there may be an additional verse in For Good, as well as instrumental flourishes that hint at previously unused motifs. The film’s Original Score nomination suggests these musical expansions have impressed critics, giving the classic tunes an added layer of emotional heft. So, don’t be too shocked if you find yourself humming a newly discovered melody after the credits roll.
The Countdown To The Oscars
All eyes will be on Grande and Erivo this Sunday night, with many speculating that the film could dominate the awards—and the performance might be the moment that seals the deal. The Oscars stage is no stranger to dazzling show numbers, but rarely do we see a snippet from a musical so beloved, so iconic. And given the hush that descends whenever Erivo opens her mouth to sing, combined with Grande’s uncanny vocal agility, one can only imagine the standing ovation that’s likely to follow.
Award pundits are already whipped into a frenzy: some believe Ariana Grande could scoop up the Best Supporting Actress title, while others consider Cynthia Erivo a favourite for Best Actress. If both were to triumph, it would be a monumental moment in Oscars history—two principal actresses from the same film, each collecting a trophy. Realistically, the competition is stiff, but the very possibility adds an edge-of-your-seat quality to the ceremony.
A Spellbinding Future
In many ways, WICKED’s journey from page to stage to film is a testament to the power of enduring stories. The land of Oz may be a whimsical fantasy, but the themes it explores—friendship, identity, the cost of prejudice—are profoundly human. Now, with an Oscar-laden film adaptation and a can’t-miss live performance by two of our generation’s most formidable vocalists, it feels like we’re on the cusp of a truly unforgettable moment in entertainment history.
Will they close the show with Defying Gravity? Might we see Ariana and Cynthia flanked by a chorus of Ozian citizens, belting out those iconic chords while confetti rains down? Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a relative newcomer, you’ll likely be left breathless, reminded of how theatre’s boundless magic can flourish on any stage—be it a neon-lit Broadway marquee or Hollywood’s gilded Dolby Theatre. And if you, like me, ever doubted that WICKED could become even more enthralling, be prepared to be delightfully proven wrong on Oscars night.
Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com
