The Oscars in 2025 did music somewhat in a different way. And as a substitute of opening with Conan O’Brien’s monologue, they opened with a Wizard of Oz tribute courtesy of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
Erivo and Grande, after all, had been each nominated for his or her roles in Depraved, and, after all, their tribute included a rendition of “Defying Gravity,” full with battle cry. But it surely started with a montage of scenes from basic films, earlier than Grande appeared on stage in a ruby-red robe with a sequinned element that referenced a sure very well-known pair of slippers.
Grande then carried out her personal model of “Someplace Over the Rainbow,” inarguably essentially the most well-known track from the 1939 movie.
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Following Grande’s efficiency, Erivo got here on stage in her personal unbelievable ballgown, a white gown with floral particulars and a refined inexperienced tint on the hem of her skirt referencing Elphaba’s inexperienced pores and skin. Erivo sang “Dwelling,” from The Wiz, one other Broadway interpretation of The Wizard of Oz, which options an all Black solid.
Then, for the pièce de résistance, the 2 got here collectively to sing “Defying Gravity” from Depraved, which clearly showcases each singers’ vocals, however particularly Erivo’s. Even Erivo’s Depraved costars aren’t immune from being overwhelmed by her singing voice. On stage, Grande appeared on adoringly as Erivo belted out that well-known riff, whereas within the viewers Michelle Yeoh, who performs Madame Morrible within the movie, was dropped at tears.
Along with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who’re nominated for Finest Actress and Finest Supporting Actress, respectively, for Depraved, the film was additionally nominated for make-up and hairstyling, costumes, and visible results, in addition to for Finest Image on the 2025 Oscars. Whereas the movie couldn’t be nominated for unique songs, as a result of all the music was written for the Broadway present, it merely would not be proper for the ceremony to go with out at the very least one Depraved musical efficiency.
This text initially appeared on Glamour US.