Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo Belt ‘Defying Gravity’ Live at the Oscars, Plus ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and ‘Home’ in ‘Oz’ Medley

variety.com:

Rebecca Rubin Senior Film and Media Reporter Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo brought Oz to the Oscars, kicking off the 97th annual ceremony with a musical medley from “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Wiz” and “Wicked.” After a tribute to Los Angeles, which is recovering from devastating wildfires, Grande took the stage to perform a heartwarming rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” before Erivo wowed the crowd with “Home” from “The Wiz.” Then, then joined forces for “Defying Gravity,” the show stopper at the end of the first act of “Wicked,” though Grande (whose sparkly dress was adorned with a ruby red slipper) briefly stepped aside to let Erivo (wearing a strapless white gown decorated with florals) belt out her character’s famous battle cry.

Audiences embraced the leading ladies (both nominees tonight) with a standing ovation, so it’s safe to say the number was “pop-u-lar” at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.

The wickedly talented Grande and Erivo star as the perky, pink-loving Glinda and green-skinned Elphaba in “Wicked,” which chronicles the first act of the long-running Broadway sensation.

In addition to box office riches, the musical adaptation is nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including best picture, actress for Erivo and supporting actress for Grande.