Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and More to Perform at the 2025 Oscars

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The 2025 Oscars are bringing a star-studded lineup to the stage, with Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo set to perform during the live telecast. Joining them will be Doja Cat, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Queen Latifah, and Raye, as the Academy promises “showstopping performances celebrating the filmmaking community and some of its legends.” The Los Angeles Master Chorale will also make a special appearance.

While details remain under wraps, sources suggest that Grande and Erivo will kick off the show—likely with a Wicked medley featuring iconic Broadway hits like Popular and Defying Gravity. The performance comes just months before the highly anticipated Wicked movie adaptation hits theatres, with its sequel, Wicked: For Good, following in 2026.

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However, the Academy’s decision to spotlight non-Oscar-nominated songs is already stirring debate. Back in January, it was announced that live performances of Best Original Song nominees would be scrapped in favour of documentary-style segments about their creation. Now, with Wicked taking centre stage, the move is raising eyebrows among those who feel the Oscars should prioritize its own nominees.

This isn’t the first time the Academy has made an exception—2022’s ceremony famously featured We Don’t Talk About Bruno from Encanto, even though it wasn’t submitted for Oscar consideration. Still, with Wicked's built-in fanbase and ABC’s hopes for a ratings boost, this decision might prove, well… popular.