The Wicked duo sang one solo each, and one duet.
The 97th Academy Awards opened with a showstopping musical performance as Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo took the stage for a trio of back-to-back songs.
Grande began the set with a rendition of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’, followed by Erivo performing ‘Home’ by Diana Ross.
The two then reunited for ‘Defying Gravity’, the signature hit from their box office success, Wicked.
The performance was a fitting start to the evening, as Wicked has been one of the most talked-about films of the year. The adaptation of the hit musical has earned ten Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
The film, based on the beloved Broadway musical, has been a major contender throughout the year, earning nominations across categories such as Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Song.
Erivo is in the running for Best Actress for her role as Elphaba, while Grande has received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress as Glinda.
Both stars are no strangers to major award recognition. Erivo previously won a Tony, Grammy, and daytime Emmy for her role in The Color Purple and was Oscar-nominated in 2020 for Harriet.
Grande, a global pop star, has multiple Grammy wins and a long-standing history in musical theatre.