The 97th Academy Awards commenced with an unforgettable performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who brought the house down with a medley from the hit musical Wicked. The ceremony, hosted by Conan O'Brien, featured a series of clips from nominated films before transitioning into the musical tribute. Grande began with a rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," paying homage to The Wizard of Oz, followed by Erivo's soulful performance of Diana Ross's "Home" from The Wiz. Together, they concluded with a powerful duet of "Defying Gravity." Both actresses are nominated for their roles in Wicked, adding to the excitement surrounding their appearance.

Grande and Erivo have been making waves with their performances in the film adaptation of Wicked. As the nominees walked the red carpet, anticipation built for what was to come on stage. Initially, there were reports that the show would open with a Wicked medley, but this was met with some skepticism until it became clear that the Academy had indeed enlisted the two stars to kick off the evening. Grande's nomination for Best Supporting Actress and Erivo's nod for Best Actress added another layer of significance to their performance. The audience was treated to a display of vocal prowess as Erivo hit several high notes, including a memorable riff, while Grande watched in admiration.

Leading up to the event, the Academy announced changes to the format of the Oscars, deciding not to feature live performances of nominated songs. Instead, the focus shifted to honoring the songwriters behind the music. This decision made room for other performers like Doja Cat, Lisa of Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and Raye, who showcased their talents in segments celebrating the filmmaking community. The Los Angeles Master Chorale also made a special appearance, adding to the evening's cultural richness.

As the night unfolded, Emilia Pérez emerged as a frontrunner with a record-breaking 13 nominations for her non-English-language film. Other notable contenders included The Brutalist and Wicked, each earning 10 nominations. The ceremony, broadcast live on ABC and Hulu from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, celebrated the best in cinema while hinting at what's to come with the sequel to Wicked, titled Wicked: For Good. Erivo teased the sequel, promising a mix of joy and heartbreak, along with familiar tunes that audiences will surely love.

The opening performance set a high bar for the rest of the evening, showcasing the talent and versatility of both Grande and Erivo. Their collaboration on stage not only highlighted their individual strengths but also demonstrated the power of storytelling through music. As the Oscars moved forward, it was clear that this year's ceremony aimed to honor both the past and future of cinema, with a special emphasis on the artists who bring stories to life.