Broomsticks and Ballads: Erivo and Grande Ready to Fly at the 2025 Oscars
Grab your glitter and get ready to float on cloud nine—Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are set to grace the Oscars stage in 2025, bringing a wave of Wicked charm to Hollywood’s most glamorous night! The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences let this little nugget slip on Monday, confirming that the beloved stars will kick off the ceremony with what’s being teased as a magical performance from the hit musical. Talk about defying gravity!
Now, let’s spill the tea: both Erivo and Grande snagged Oscar nominations this year, so you know the excitement is real. They won’t be flying solo, either; other musical heavyweights like Doja Cat, Lisa from BLACKPINK, Queen Latifah, and RAYE are also on the performance roster, promising a night filled with star power. According to The Hollywood Reporter, fans can expect an epic showcase that celebrates not only the Wicked legacy but also honors key figures in filmmaking—let’s just say, it sounds like a campy fantasy come to life!
However, it hasn’t all been sunshine and sparkles for the Oscars this year. Earlier, the Academy caused a bit of uproar by announcing that the nominees for Best Original Song wouldn’t be performed live during the show. Many Oscar-nominated songwriters, including powerhouse Diane Warren, condemned this decision, decrying it as “unfair.” And let’s be real—who wants to miss out on these live performances? But fear not; regardless of the category drama, it seems musical segments are still in the cards with Erivo and Grande leading the charge.
Now, Wicked’s soundtrack has been on heavy rotation since the film’s release, but let’s not kid ourselves; the nominated songs like “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez or “The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight just don’t bring the same kind of earworm energy. But what’s truly exciting is the buzz around the upcoming Wicked: For Good, expected to drop later this year, featuring fresh tunes from the legendary Stephen Schwartz. Will the Oscars double as a sneak peek carnival for the new film? Only time will tell.
Mark your calendars for March 2, 2025, when the Oscars air live on ABC and stream on Hulu. With Erivo and Grande ready to light up the stage, this ceremony looks to be a must-watch extravaganza—so get ready to grab your popcorn because it’s bound to be an unforgettable night!
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and The Hollywood Reporter, People Magazine, Variety
