Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo Open 2025 Oscars with Powerful Medley

The 2025 Academy Awards kicked off with a captivating performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who showcased a medley of songs from their acclaimed film 'Wicked'. Grande began with 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow', setting a nostalgic tone, and was followed by Erivo's rendition of 'Home', before they united for a powerful duet of 'Defying Gravity'. The film 'Wicked' is a major contender this year, earning ten Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Erivo, and Best Supporting Actress for Grande. Their performance was particularly poignant, coinciding with a tribute to Los Angeles, which is still recovering from recent wildfires. The dynamic duo's appearance has been highly anticipated after multiple award show appearances this season, and they did not disappoint, leaving the audience exhilarated. This opening set not only celebrated their film but also highlighted the enduring legacy of musical cinema.