So if you care to find Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, look to the 2025 Oscars stage.
The Wicked costars opened the 97th Academy Awards on March 2 by taking the stage at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre and performing a musical tribute to Oz.
Dressed in a custom Schiaparelli gown that gave a nod to Dorothy’s ruby red slippers, Ariana started by singing Judy Garland’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Afterwards, Cynthia—who wore a white Vivienne Westwood gown draped in florals with a touch of green at the bottom of the skirt as an ode to her Wicked character Elphaba—performed “Home,” which was sung by Diana Ross in the 1978 film adaptation of The Wiz.
At the end, the castmates joined each other on the stage to perform “Defying Gravity” from Wicked. It seemed like viewers had been changed for good after hearing the musical number as audience members rose to their feet to give a standing ovation.
Ethan Slater, who played Boq in the film adaptation of Wicked and is dating Ariana, and Lena Waithe, who has sparked relationship rumors with Cynthia though neither has confirmed a romance, also appeared emotional as they applauded in the crowd (watch the above video to see the sweet moment).
Both Ariana and Cynthia are up for Oscars this evening for their performances as Glinda and Elphaba in Wicked. If Cynthia—who was previously nominated at the 2019 Academy Awards for her lead role in Harriet—takes home the trophy, she will secure EGOT status.
Their nods are among the 10 nominations Wicked has received overall, including for Best Picture (keep up with all the winners throughout the night here).
While walking the red carpet before the ceremony (see all the looks here), Cynthia reflected on one of the most surprising things she learned about herself while playing Elphaba.
“That I’m not as afraid of being vulnerable as I thought I was,” the actress, wearing a custom Louis Vuitton gown, told Zuri Hall during Live From E!: The Oscars. “And actually the more vulnerable I am, the more present I can be. And I think that’s something that really surprised me. I think along this journey I’ve shared a lot more of myself than I have previously and it’s felt really lovely. It’s felt really freeing.”
Fans will be able to catch Cynthia and Ariana in part two of the musical movie, Wicked: For Good, which will be released Nov. 21, 2025.
For now, keep reading to see more looks from the 2025 Oscars.
(E! and Universal Pictures are both part of NBCUniversal).
Ariana Grande
In Schiaparelli.
Zoe Saldaña
In custom Saint Laurent and Cartier jewelry.
Selena Gomez
In custom Ralph Lauren and Stuart Weitzman heels.
Cynthia Erivo
In custom Louis Vuitton and FoundRae jewelry.
Lily-Rose Depp
In Chanel.
Scarlett Johansson
In Thierry Mugler and De Beers jewelry.
Gal Gadot
In Prada and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Mikey Madison
In Christian Dior and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Andrew Garfield
In Gucci, David Yurman jewelry, and Jaeger-Le Coultre watch.
Halle Berry
In Christian Siriano and Pomellato Jewelry.
Rita Wilson
In Valentino.
Monica Barbaro
In custom Dior.
Penelope Cruz
In Chanel.
Samuel L. Jackson
In Giorgio Armani.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph
In custom Tamara Ralph Haute Couture and LAGOS jewelry.
Gayle King
Colman Domingo
In custom Valentino and Persol Ida sunglasses.
Sterling K. Brown
In Giorgio Armani, David Yurman jewelry, IWC Watches watch and Santoni shoes.
Ben Stiller
In Dolce and Gabbana.
Jeremy Strong
In custom Loro Piana.
Michelle Yeoh
In Balenciaga.
Kieran Culkin
In Zegna, Fred Leighton and Kwiat jewelry, and Omega watch.
Amy Poehler
In custom Rachel Gilbert and Marco Bicego jewelry.
Meg Ryan
In Ashi Studio and Tiffany and Co. jewelry.
Isabella Rossellini
In Dolce & Gabbana.
Emma Stone
In custom Louis Vuitton.
Miley Cyrus
In Alexander McQueen.
Doja Cat
In custom Balmain, Messika High Jewelry, and Amina Muaddi shoes.
Adrien Brody
In Giorgio Armani.
Margaret Qualley
In Chanel.
