Just a couple of weeks ago, Wicked star Cynthia Erivo dismissed the idea that she would be performing at the Academy Awards. Now, she has to disagree with herself as it has been announced that the cast will take part in the Oscars ceremony this March.
What do we know about the performance?
Variety was the site to find the rational explanation for what Cynthia and Ariana would be doing. "The Academy is looking to open the telecast with a medley of 'Wicked' songs performed by Erivo and her co-star Ariana Grande." We can now turn to The Hollywood Reporter and its announcement that "Wicked's Oscar-nominated stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo will perform on Sunday's Oscars."
According to this same source, "In addition, Doja Cat, Lisa of Blackpink, Queen Latifah and Rave are also set to take part in 'showstopping performances celebrating the filmmaking community and some of its legends." All of these artists will also be joined by the Los Angeles Master Chorale. "While it's not yet known which song or songs Grande and Erivo will perform - options include, of course, 'Popular,' 'Defying Gravity,' 'What Is This Feeling?' or some medley thereof - the word is that they will kick off the show."
There is a good explanation for the discrepancy between the earlier statements and today's news. "I don't know why we would be doing that, since our song is not nominated," Erivo said. Now, says Beatrice Verhoeven, "Sources close to the telecast and both actresses tell THR that it was not, in fact, a done deal at that time, which is why Erivo categorically denied that it was set to happen." It's also true that "Grande and the entire Wicked team couldn't buy better publicity ahead of their film's forthcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good."
This year's program will not feature the traditional performance of songs nominated for the Best Original Song category, but "instead focus on the backstories of the nominated songwriters." While any songs from the first Wicked movie are from the Broadway production and therefore ineligible, it will still build excitement for the show and anticipation will be high ahead of learning if the ten nominations Wicked has received will result in an award.
The Academy Awards will take place on March 2, 2025 and Wicked: For Good is slated to release on November 21, 2025. We're looking forward to the emotional journey of both.