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Oscars 2025: Idina Menzel praises Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo's 'Defying Gravity' performance
Idina Menzel, the original Elphaba on Broadway's "Wicked," has nothing but good words about Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's powerful duet performance of "Defying Gravity" at the Oscars 2025.
On X, Idina reshared photos of the "Wicked" stars taken during the opening number of the 97th Academy Awards held on Monday (Philippine time) at the Dolby Theater at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, California.
The photos captured Ariana and Cynthia singing "Defying Gravity."
"I'm speechless," Idina said. "Thank you for being so absolutely incredible."
"Just phenomenal," she added. "Love you both."
Idina and Kristin Chenoweth, the Glinda on the Broadway musical, made a cameo in "Wicked" as superstars in Emerald City's theater show, "Wizomania."
At Oscars 2025, "Wicked" bagged Best Costume Design and Best Production Design, two of the 10 nominations the film earned from The Academy.
Paul Tazewell, the costume designer for "Wicked," marked his first Oscar win and nomination for Best Costume Design, as well as the title of being the first person of color to win the said award.
"I'm the first black man to receive an Oscar design award," Paul said in his acceptance speech.
"My OZian muses, Cynthia and Ariana, I love you so much for trusting me and bringing your characters to life," he said.
Directed by John Chu, "Wicked" follows the story of Glinda (Ariana) and Elphaba (Cynthia) on their self-discovery journeys and their unlikely friendship at Shiz University, a tale that serves as a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz."
The second act, "Wicked: For Good," premieres in cinemas in 2025.
—Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News
