"Just unlocked a new color in the rainbow": Fans react to Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's performance at the Oscars 2025

The 97th Academy Awards, which were held on March 2, 2025, kicked off with an unforgettable performance by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The two, who featured in Wicked, performed a powerful medley that was an ode to musicals inspired by Oz.

Fans were also swift to react, with one writing:

"Ariana's whistle notes just unlocked a new color in the rainbow."

Others referred to it as:

"One for history books."

"The best Oscar's opening of all time."

Social media was filled with admiration, as comments such as "Cynthia and Ariana were amazing, they slayed" and "Tears every friggin' time" flooded the social media sites. The depth of emotion and strength of vocals by the performance made many fans sit in awe, setting the mood for a memorable Oscars night.

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Grande and Erivo's medley was a tribute to the tradition of Oz-inspired musicals

Ariana Grande launched the show with Somewhere Over the Rainbow in a glittering red gown recalling Dorothy's ruby slippers. Her gentle yet powerful voice commanded instant attention from the audience.

Cynthia Erivo brought Home from The Wiz in a soul-stirring performance that presented her trademark powerhouse voice. The duo then moved into Defying Gravity, Wicked's signature number.

Their voices meshed so well that the moment chilled the crowd. The performance was a celebration of The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked, three musicals that have inspired generations.

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Celebrity and audience reactions underscore the emotional resonance of the performance

The performance resonated emotionally deeply, with many in the audience openly moved. Wicked co-star Michelle Yeoh was visibly wiping away tears while others stood up from their seats immediately to applaud.

The reaction was felt on social media as well, where fans couldn't help but get excited. One fan described it as:

"It was amazing!!! Chills and tears."

While another termed it as:

"Sensational."

The emotional depth and technical excellence of the performance left the audience in awe and made it one of the most discussed bits of the evening. Even people outside the Wicked franchise could not deny its effect, as the blending of vocal expertise and drama made it an Oscars standout moment.

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The Oscars did something different by substituting the classic monologue with a musical opening

Shaking things up, this year's Oscars substituted the traditional comedic monologue with a big musical opening. Hosted by Conan O'Brien, the move to begin with music was a risky one that worked.

It set the tone for a cinematic and theatrical experience, drawing viewers in from the start. The selection of Grande and Erivo, both iconic for their voice work, provided a high-energy beginning to the night.

Their new film, Wicked, was a heavy presence at the event, picking up ten nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Erivo. Through the seamless integration of film promotion into the evening, the Oscars were able to grab the audience's attention in a new manner.

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Ariana and Cynthia's performance leaves a lasting impression on the Oscars and beyond

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's opening number at the Oscars 2025 will be etched in history as one of the most powerful in recent memory. Their skill at paying homage to the legacy of Oz musicals while bringing a new, stunning performance to the table created a new benchmark for Oscars openings.

With Wicked generating such buzz, this event only made everyone more excited. With their undeniable stage presence and talent; Grande and Erivo have made sure that their first Oscar appearance would be spoken about for years to come.