Oscars: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo sing 'Defying Gravity'

'Wicked' stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo stole the show at the 97th Academy Awards with their mesmerising performance of 'Defying Gravity'.

The actors, who were both nominated for awards at Sunday night's ceremony, wowed the audience with their "powerful" voices while singing a medley of songs.

Grande opened the Oscars with a solo performance of 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow'. Judy Garland sang the song for the 1939 'Wizard of Oz' movie. 

Grande then walked off stage as Erivo entered to sing 'Home', which was initially recorded for 'The Wiz' movie in 1978. 

The audience broke out into applause as she hit high notes that would make Mariah Carey proud. 

Grande returned for their 'Defying Gravity' duet. The song appears on the soundtrack for the 'Wicked' movie. 

Fans speculated which songs they would sing at the Oscars, with many hoping 'Popular' and 'What Is This Feeling' would make the cut.

However, they likely chose 'Defying Gravity' because some of the lyrics perfectly sum up their friendship:

"Unlimited
Together, we're unlimited
Together, we'll be the greatest team there's ever been, Glinda
Dreams the way we planned 'em
If we work in tandem
There's no fight we cannot win."

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Despite their critically acclaimed performances in 'Wicked' neither star won an acting trophy during awards season. 

The Oscars weren't any different. Erivo was nominated for 'Best Actress' but lost to 'Anora' star Mikey Madison, a surprise winner in the category. Demi Moore, who was nominated for her role in 'The Substance', was the favourite. 

Grande also missed out on 'Best Supporting Actress'. The award went to Zoe Saldaña, who became the first actor of Dominican heritage to win it, for her role in 'Emilia Pérez'.

We doubt Grande and Erivo are too disappointed, they are just proud of the amazing work they did together.

ALSO READ: 'Wicked' movie makes box office history

'Wicked' didn't go home empty-handed. 

The musical fantasy film won 'Best Costume Design' and 'Best Production Design'. 

Social media users loved Grande and Erivo in the movie and were equally excited about their amazing performance at the Oscars. 

"This performance was a tour de force. I love how proud Ariana Grande is while watching Cynthia shine during an era where no one hates a successful woman more than another woman," an X user commented. 

A second X user wrote: "So proud of Cynthia and Ariana 🥹💚🩷."

ALSO READ: Food, a film and fun: A ‘Wicked’ combo

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Main image credit: Oscars/ ABC