A Magical Night of Music and Oz-Inspired Wonder
The magic of Oz returned to television in a spectacular way on Thursday, November 6, when NBC premiered Wicked: One Wonderful Night, a two-hour live musical event celebrating the upcoming film sequel Wicked: For Good. Starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the special offered fans an unforgettable evening filled with dazzling performances, behind-the-scenes exclusives, and — most exciting of all — the debut of two brand-new songs written by legendary composer Stephen Schwartz.
The special will be available to stream on Peacock starting Friday, November 7, giving fans another chance to experience the wonder before Wicked: For Good hits theaters on November 21.
Two New Wicked Songs Make Their Debut
During Wicked: One Wonderful Night, Grande and Erivo introduced audiences to two entirely new songs from the upcoming sequel: “No Place Like Home” performed by Erivo and “The Girl in the Bubble” performed by Grande.
Both numbers are original compositions by Stephen Schwartz, the Grammy- and Oscar-winning songwriter behind the beloved Broadway score. These songs expand the world of Wicked, adding emotional depth and new musical layers to the story of the witches of Oz.
Cynthia Erivo Captivates with “No Place Like Home”
Taking center stage under the emerald glow of the Dolby Theatre, Cynthia Erivo delivered a moving performance of “No Place Like Home.” The new ballad gives voice to Elphaba’s complicated relationship with the land of Oz — a place she loves deeply despite facing lifelong prejudice and alienation.
Dressed in a sleek, green-accented ensemble, Erivo’s powerhouse vocals carried the emotional weight of the song. The lyrics, both haunting and hopeful, remind audiences that home isn’t always where you’re accepted — it’s where you stay true to yourself.
Erivo’s performance left both the live audience and viewers at home spellbound, earning thunderous applause and praise across social media.
Ariana Grande’s “The Girl in the Bubble” Stuns Fans
Later in the night, Ariana Grande introduced her new solo number, “The Girl in the Bubble.” Set later in the story of Wicked: For Good, the song explores Glinda’s emotional conflict as she struggles with her role as the “Good Witch” while grappling with guilt, privilege, and the consequences of her choices.
Grande’s ethereal vocals and heartfelt delivery turned the performance into one of the evening’s most memorable moments. Accompanied by a live orchestra and surrounded by glowing bubbles drifting through the theater, she perfectly captured Glinda’s transformation from naive optimism to self-awareness and courage.
An Emerald City Spectacle
The entire production of Wicked: One Wonderful Night was a feast for the senses. Filmed at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, the stage was transformed into a breathtaking Emerald City-inspired set featuring lush green lighting, elaborate choreography, and a 37-piece live orchestra led by musical director Stephen Oremus.
Joining Grande and Erivo were Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard), Ethan Slater (Boq), Bowen Yang, and Marissa Bode (Nessarose). Together, the ensemble delivered a night filled with music, laughter, and emotional storytelling, giving fans a deeper look at the upcoming film’s tone and energy.
Celebrating the Legacy of Wicked
The original Wicked film, released in November 2024, became an instant success — earning 10 Academy Award nominations, winning Oscars for Costume Design and Production Design, and grossing over $750 million worldwide. It now holds the title of the highest-grossing stage-to-screen adaptation in history.
With Wicked: For Good promising new songs, expanded storylines, and deeper emotional arcs, anticipation is higher than ever. Director Jon M. Chu, who also helmed the first film, has teased “surprises and reinventions” that will delight both lifelong Wicked fans and newcomers alike.
When and Where to Watch
- NBC Premiere: Thursday, November 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT
- Streaming on Peacock: Friday, November 7
- In Theaters: Wicked: For Good premieres November 21, 2025
A Night That Proved Wicked Is Still Wonderful
Wicked: One Wonderful Night wasn’t just a musical preview — it was a celebration of storytelling, sisterhood, and the enduring power of music. With Ariana Grande’s “The Girl in the Bubble” and Cynthia Erivo’s “No Place Like Home,” the special reminded the world why the tale of Glinda and Elphaba continues to enchant generations.
Fans can expect Wicked: For Good to soar even higher — both musically and emotionally — when it lands in theaters later this month.
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