Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Shine at the 97th Oscars
On March 2, 2024, the 97th Academy Awards delivered a musical moment that quickly became a highlight of the ceremony. Pop superstar Ariana Grande and Academy Award‑winning actress‑singer Cynthia Erivo joined forces for a live rendition of “Defying Gravity,” the anthem from the hit Broadway musical Wicked. Their collaboration not only celebrated the film adaptation of the beloved stage show but also demonstrated the power of cross‑generational talent on one of Hollywood’s biggest stages.
The Iconic “Defying Gravity” Performance
The performance opened with a dramatic curtain rise, revealing Grande and Erivo standing atop a shimmering platform that resembled a floating crystal. Accompanied by a full orchestra, the duo sang the opening verses in perfect harmony before soaring into the soaring chorus that has become synonymous with ambition and self‑empowerment.
Both singers displayed distinct vocal strengths: Grande’s airy, melismatic technique blended seamlessly with Erivo’s rich, soulful timbre. The arrangement, slightly re‑orchestrated for the Oscars stage, preserved the song’s original theatrical intensity while adding a cinematic grandeur that suited the ceremony’s live broadcast.
Behind the Staging: “Em Wicked: One Wonderful Night”
The performance was part of a larger promotional effort titled Em Wicked: One Wonderful Night. This special event, staged as a tribute to the upcoming film version of Wicked, featured the cast of the movie performing as “bruxinhas” – a playful nod to the Portuguese word for witches. The production team designed the set to evoke the Emerald City’s luminous skyline, while stylists incorporated elements from the musical’s iconic costumes.
In a separate interview with Vogue, the cast of Wicked – including Erivo and Grande – sat down for a rapid‑fire Q&A titled “For Good.” The conversation highlighted the performers’ personal connections to the material, their excitement about bringing the story to a broader audience, and their admiration for each other’s artistry.
Fashion Highlights and Red Carpet Moments
Beyond the stage, both artists turned heads on the red carpet. Grande arrived in a custom‑designed silver gown by Versace, featuring a structured bodice and a cascading train that mirrored the glittering set of her performance. Erivo chose a sleek black tuxedo by Tom Ford, pairing it with a crisp white
