Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo open 2025 Oscars with gravity-defying musical performances​on March 3, 2025 at 5:56 am

LOS ANGELES — The 2025 Oscars kicked off Sunday evening with gravity-defying musical performances from two popular stars.

Following a special tribute video to Los Angeles, Ariana Grande opened the 97th Academy Awards with a rendition of “Over the Rainbow” from 1939’s “The Wizard of Oz.”

Erivo then followed that up with a breath-taking performance of “Home” from the 1975 Broadway musical “The Wiz.”

The two stars came together to perform “Defying Gravity,” the song from the climax of their Oscar-nominated film “Wicked.”

Erivo is nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Elphaba in “Wicked.” Grande is nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in the film as Glinda.

For the latest stories and videos about the 2025 Oscars, go here.

It’s Oscar Sunday! The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, is underway now on ABC and will be followed by a special preview of “American Idol.”

Once all the awards have been handed out, it’s time to party! Watch “On the Red Carpet: After the Awards” to get a glimpse into the most star-studded parties of the night.

On Monday, it’s America’s best after party! “Live With Kelly and Mark: After the Oscars” is live from the Oscars stage at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood at 9 a.m.