The actors, both nominated for their roles in the hit movie musical, will take to the stage at the 97th Academy Awards.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, stars of the highly anticipated Wicked film adaptation, will deliver a special live performance at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday night. The two stars, who portray Elphaba and Glinda, have both received Oscar nominations for their roles in the blockbuster musical.
The Academy confirmed their performance in a social media post, teasing:
“A spellbinding moment awaits. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande take the #Oscars stage for a performance you won’t forget.”
Their performance will be one of the most anticipated musical moments of the evening, following in the footsteps of last year’s standout act, Ryan Gosling’s lively rendition of I’m Just Ken from Barbie.
Who else is performing at the 2025 Oscars?
This year’s ceremony will see an exciting lineup of artists taking the stage, including:
- Raye – The British singer-songwriter, who recently won multiple Brit Awards, will make her Oscars debut.
- Lisa (Blackpink) – The K-pop sensation will bring her global star power to Hollywood’s biggest night.
- Queen Latifah – The legendary actress and rapper will perform a special number.
- Doja Cat – The chart-topping artist is expected to deliver one of the evening’s most talked-about performances.
The 2025 Oscars will be hosted by US talk show legend and comedian Conan O’Brien, adding his signature humour to the proceedings.
Cynthia Erivo’s journey to Oscar glory
British actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, 38, has been a force in both theatre and film. Having already won a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award, an Oscar win would bring her one step closer to EGOT status.
Erivo is nominated in the Best Actress category for her portrayal of Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned witch, in Wicked. The role, originally played by Idina Menzel on Broadway, is one of the most vocally demanding in musical theatre, making Erivo’s nomination a major milestone in her career.
She will compete against:
- Demi Moore (The Substance)
- Mikey Madison (Anora) – who won the Leading Actress BAFTA earlier this month
- Karla Sofia Gascón (Emilia Perez)
- Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)
Additionally, Erivo will also host the Tony Awards in June, further cementing her place as a major figure in the entertainment industry.
Ariana grande’s Oscars nomination and performance
Ariana Grande, 31, is also set for a major moment at the Oscars, not just as a performer but as a nominee in the Best Supporting Actress category. She is recognised for her role as Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked, a character famously played by Kristin Chenoweth on Broadway.
Her nomination places her among a strong field of contenders, and a win would mark a significant achievement in her transition from pop superstardom to acclaimed actress.
The Wicked film, directed by Jon M. Chu, has been one of the most eagerly awaited adaptations in recent years, with its split into two parts allowing for a more in-depth exploration of the story.
Grande’s nomination is particularly notable given her deep connection to musical theatre—long before her pop career, she starred in Broadway’s 13 and has always expressed admiration for Wicked.
More Read
Following in the footsteps of last year’s Oscar performances
Live musical performances have become a highlight of the Oscars ceremony, with Ryan Gosling’s show-stopping performance of I’m Just Ken from Barbie being a standout moment of 2024.
That performance, which started with Gosling serenading Margot Robbie before evolving into a full-cast singalong featuring Greta Gerwig, Mark Ronson, and Slash, was widely praised and even went viral online.
With Erivo and Grande set to take the stage this year, expectations are sky-high for another unforgettable Oscars musical moment.
Final thoughts
With Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande both performing and competing for Oscar gold, Wicked is set to dominate this year’s Academy Awards. Their duet is likely to be one of the most talked-about moments of the evening, especially given their powerhouse vocal abilities.
As the countdown to the Oscars 2025 continues, all eyes will be on Hollywood’s biggest night, where the magic of film and music will come together once again.
