Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the stars of Wicked, are set to take the stage at this year’s Academy Awards.
The duo, who portrayed Glinda and Elphaba in the highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved musical, have been confirmed as performers for the prestigious event.
Their participation comes after months of speculation and previous denials when questioned about the possibility of an Oscars performance.
Now, with the confirmation from the Academy, fans are eagerly awaiting what the powerhouse vocalists will bring to the star-studded ceremony.
Joining Grande and Erivo on the performance lineup are an exciting mix of artists spanning different genres.
Doja Cat, known for her genre-blending hits, will take the stage, alongside hip-hop legend Queen Latifah and British singer-songwriter Raye, who has been making waves in the industry.
Additionally, Lisa of Blackpink, currently starring in the third season of The White Lotus, is also set to perform, adding to the diverse musical spectacle.
With such a dynamic roster, this year’s Oscars promises to deliver memorable performances from some of the most influential voices in music today.
In addition to these individual performances, the Academy has also announced a “special appearance” from the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
The professional choir, known for its powerful and hauntingly beautiful harmonies, will bring a unique touch to the ceremony.
Their inclusion hints at the possibility of grand, orchestral arrangements accompanying some of the night’s performances.
Whether they will be involved in a specific tribute or integrated into multiple acts remains to be seen, but their presence is sure to add an extra layer of artistry to the show.
This year’s Oscars ceremony, however, will feature a significant departure from tradition. Unlike previous years, live performances of the nominees for Best Original Song will not be included in the show.
The category features a strong lineup, with songs such as El Mal from Emilia Perez, The Journey from The Six Triple Eight, Like a Bird from Sing Sing, Mi Camino from Emilia Perez, and Never Too Late from Elton John: Never Too Late competing for the coveted award.
While these tracks won’t be performed live, their impact on the ceremony remains significant, as they highlight the integral role of music in film.
Despite the mystery surrounding the setlists, it is widely anticipated that Grande and Erivo will perform at least one song from Wicked. Given the musical’s legacy and its chart-topping success, Defying Gravity stands out as a likely choice.
The song, a defining moment in the original Broadway production, enjoyed massive popularity when it was released in the UK, spending four weeks in the Top 10 of the official charts and later becoming a viral sensation.
If performed, it would undoubtedly be a highlight of the evening, showcasing the vocal prowess of both actresses.
For Grande and Erivo, the night holds even greater significance, as both have secured nominations for their performances in Wicked: Part One.
Erivo is in the running for Best Actress, while Grande has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress, marking a major milestone in their careers.
Their nominations reflect the impact of the film, which captivated audiences and achieved record-breaking success upon its release. With the film’s second installment, Wicked: For Good, set to arrive in November, their Oscars appearances may also serve as an exciting preview of what’s to come.
Wicked enters the Academy Awards with an impressive 10 nominations, tying with the period drama The Brutalist. However, the competition is fierce, as other acclaimed films have already claimed major wins at the BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and SAG Awards.
Notably, Emilia Perez, a Netflix production starring Zoe Saldana and Karla Sofía Gascón, has made history as the most nominated non-English language film in Oscars history, securing 13 nods.
As Hollywood’s biggest night approaches, all eyes will be on Wicked and its cast, eager to see how the film fares against its formidable competitors.
