The 2025 Academy Awards opened in spectacular fashion with a performance that immediately captivated both the audience at the Dolby Theatre and viewers around the world. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo took the stage for a medley of songs inspired by the iconic Wizard of Oz universe, delivering a breathtaking showcase of vocal talent, emotional depth, and stage presence. From the timeless classic Somewhere Over the Rainbow to the Broadway powerhouse Defying Gravity, the duo set the tone for the evening and reminded audiences why musical performances remain one of the Oscars’ most celebrated moments.
A Nostalgic Beginning: Ariana Grande Sings Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Ariana Grande opened the medley with Somewhere Over the Rainbow, the song made famous by Judy Garland in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Grande’s performance was both a tribute and a reinvention, blending her signature vocal clarity with the song’s timeless sentiment. Dressed in a shimmering gown reminiscent of Dorothy’s ruby slippers, she immediately transported viewers to the magical world of Oz.
Grande’s ability to honor the legacy of the song while infusing it with her own modern style showcased her maturity as a performer. Every note was crystal clear, and her nuanced phrasing captured the hopeful, wistful emotion that has made the song endure for generations. The performance reminded audiences of the Oscars’ long tradition of celebrating musical icons, paying homage to cinema’s past while bridging it with contemporary artistry.
Cynthia Erivo’s Soulful Power in Home from The Wiz
Following Grande, Cynthia Erivo commanded the stage with her rendition of Home from the 1975 musical adaptation The Wiz. Known for her powerhouse vocals and emotive performances, Erivo brought an intensity and soulfulness that contrasted beautifully with Grande’s ethereal opening.
Home is a song about belonging and self-discovery, and Erivo’s rendition delivered that theme with both technical skill and heartfelt authenticity. Her voice carried through the theater, filling every corner with warmth and power. The staging complemented her performance, emphasizing the song’s uplifting message and creating a deeply emotional connection with the audience.
By including The Wiz in the medley, the performance also honored African-American contributions to musical theater and cinema, highlighting the rich cultural reinterpretation of a classic story. Erivo’s performance reminded viewers that The Wizard of Oz universe has inspired multiple generations and interpretations, each adding depth and resonance to its legacy.
The Climactic Duet: Defying Gravity from Wicked
The medley reached its dramatic peak with Defying Gravity, the signature song from the Broadway musical Wicked. Grande and Erivo’s duet was a masterclass in harmonization and emotional storytelling.
Erivo, portraying Elphaba’s iconic moment of self-empowerment, was lifted into the air, creating a visual spectacle that matched the soaring intensity of her vocals. Grande provided complementary harmonies, enhancing the grandeur of the performance and demonstrating a seamless musical partnership.
Defying Gravity is more than a show-stopping Broadway number; it is a narrative about self-acceptance, courage, and rising above limitations. In the context of the Oscars, it became a metaphorical celebration of ambition and artistry, mirroring the aspirations of every filmmaker and performer in the audience. The standing ovation that followed was a testament not only to their vocal mastery but also to the emotional impact of their storytelling.
Celebrating the Legacy of Oz
The choice of songs—Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Home, and Defying Gravity—was a masterful nod to the enduring cultural significance of the Oz universe. From L. Frank Baum’s original tale to Garland’s classic film and its reinterpretations through The Wiz and Wicked, these stories have inspired multiple generations of artists and audiences alike.
By bringing these songs together, Grande and Erivo created a bridge between eras, honoring tradition while celebrating contemporary talent. Their performance highlighted the universality of themes like hope, identity, and resilience, demonstrating how music and storytelling transcend time and medium.
Audience Reactions and Critical Praise
The reaction to the performance was overwhelmingly positive. Social media lit up with praise for Grande and Erivo, with many users calling it the highlight of the evening. Critics commended the singers for their flawless execution, emotional depth, and stage presence.
Some critics emphasized the strategic choice of songs, noting how the medley moved seamlessly from nostalgia to cultural resonance and finally to a Broadway spectacle. The performance was lauded as a perfect blend of vocal excellence, theatricality, and emotional storytelling, setting a high standard for future Oscars musical moments.
The Careers of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
Ariana Grande has long been recognized as one of the preeminent pop and vocal talents of her generation. Known for her extraordinary range, technical precision, and emotive performances, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of contemporary music while remaining connected to classic influences. Her transition to live theatrical performances, including this Oscars medley, demonstrates her versatility and ability to captivate audiences in any setting.
Cynthia Erivo, a Tony and Emmy-winning performer, is celebrated for her commanding stage presence and powerhouse voice. With a career rooted in theater and musical storytelling, she has become a respected figure in both Broadway and mainstream entertainment. Her participation in the Oscars medley highlighted her ability to convey profound emotion and authenticity, captivating audiences beyond the theater stage.
Together, Grande and Erivo brought a unique balance of pop sensibility and theatrical gravitas, creating a performance that was both technically flawless and emotionally resonant.
Musical Performances at the Oscars: A Long Tradition
The Oscars have long featured musical performances as a way to honor film and celebrate artistic achievement. From classic renditions of nominated songs to grand opening numbers, these performances provide a showcase for talent and creativity, often becoming the most talked-about moments of the evening.
Grande and Erivo’s medley stands out as a particularly memorable example because it combined nostalgia, cultural homage, and technical excellence. It reminded audiences of the Oscars’ role not only in recognizing film achievements but also in celebrating the broader art of musical storytelling.
Cultural Significance and Representation
Incorporating songs from both The Wiz and Wicked demonstrated the importance of diversity and representation in Hollywood. By acknowledging different interpretations of the Oz narrative, the performance highlighted the richness that multiple cultural perspectives bring to storytelling.
This choice resonates beyond the stage, reflecting ongoing conversations in the entertainment industry about inclusion, representation, and the power of music and theater to convey universal themes. Grande and Erivo’s performance thus became more than entertainment—it was a celebration of culture, history, and artistry.
Setting the Bar for Future Performances
The technical precision, emotional depth, and thematic resonance of the medley set a high bar for future Oscars musical performances. It demonstrated how a well-executed performance can honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire anticipation for the future.
By blending classic Hollywood, Broadway, and contemporary pop influences, Grande and Erivo created a moment that was uniquely suited to the Oscars’ global audience, showcasing the power of music to transcend genres and generations.
Conclusion: A Moment to Remember
The 2025 Oscars musical performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo will be remembered as one of the most spectacular and emotionally resonant openings in recent history. From Grande’s heartfelt Somewhere Over the Rainbow to Erivo’s soul-stirring Home and their electrifying duet on Defying Gravity, the medley celebrated the enduring legacy of the Oz universe while highlighting the extraordinary talent of its performers.
Their performance was a testament to the Oscars’ ability to combine cinematic tribute with live musical artistry, creating moments that linger long after the awards ceremony ends. Grande and Erivo reminded audiences of the transformative power of music, storytelling, and collaboration, leaving a lasting impression on both Hollywood and the world at large.
As viewers continue to discuss and celebrate this magical performance, it is clear that it will remain a defining moment in Oscars history—a perfect blend of nostalgia, innovation, and artistry that audiences will remember for years to come.
