Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo stunningly opened the Oscars with a powerful musical performance.

The Academy hosted the 97th annual Oscars on March 3, and, to open the highly credited award show, everyone was graced with the talent of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

The duo, known for their powerful voices and musical talents, captivated audiences with a stunning rendition that set the tone for the night. Grande opened with a cover of the song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, and the show transitioned with Erivo singing a snippet of “ Defying Gravity”, one of the most popular and best tracks featured in the movie, “Wicked”.

Their performance, blending both emotion and skill, was a highlight of the evening, showcasing both artists’ incredible vocal abilities and chemistry. This unforgettable moment added an extra layer of glamour and excitement to the prestigious awards ceremony.

The performance was given a standing ovation, with Michelle Yeoh, who played Madame Morrible in “Wicked”, was seen wiping away tears.

Many fans argue that this is one of the best opening performances the Oscars has ever seen and questions the Academy’s ability to top this performance next year.

Despite the praise it got, fans were outraged later in the evening that neither Erivo or Grande were awarded for their performance in “Wicked”, which sparked frustration among fans, who felt the Academy missed an opportunity to recognize their contributions, especially given their unforgettable performance that evening.

Ultimately, while their performance was a standout moment in the ceremony, the controversy surrounding their lack of recognition highlighted broader issues of representation and fairness in the awards process, leaving many to question the Academy’s priorities.