Pop icon Ariana Grande and Tony Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo brought the magic of Wicked to life during NBC’s two-hour special, Wicked: One Wonderful Night, celebrating the upcoming film Wicked: For Good, hitting theaters November 21, 2025. The special featured breathtaking live performances from the stars of the movie adaptations, giving audiences a first look at their cinematic and musical interpretations of Glinda and Elphaba.

A Magical Set: Emerald City Comes to Life

The special was taped at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, transformed into an Emerald City-inspired wonderland. According to NBC, the venue featured a 37-piece live orchestra led by award-winning musical director Stephen Oremus, along with dazzling choreography, elaborate costumes, and immersive staging that captured the heart of the Broadway classic.

Joining Grande and Erivo were co-stars Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, and Bowen Yang, bringing the world of Oz to life for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Ariana Grande Opens the Show

Grande, 32, opened the special with a new arrangement of “No One Mourns the Wicked”, the musical’s iconic opening number. Wearing a shimmery champagne-colored gown, she was backed by a large choir, a troupe of backup dancers, and the live orchestra. Audience members even participated, lifting bouquets of flowers in sync with Grande’s soaring high notes, adding an interactive, celebratory atmosphere to the performance.

Cynthia Erivo Shines as Elphaba

Erivo, 38, followed with a show-stopping rendition of “The Wizard and I”, portraying Elphaba’s desire to meet Oz’s Wizard with powerhouse vocals. Dressed in a menswear-inspired ensemble and bathed in green stage lighting, she was surrounded by emerald-clad dancers who twirled around her, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle that perfectly complemented her commanding voice.

Exclusive Preview of “For Good”

In addition to performing songs from the first film, the cast previewed numbers from the sequel. Fans were treated to an emotional rendition of “For Good”, the duet that inspired the title of Wicked: For Good, featuring both Grande and Erivo. The performance highlighted the enduring bond between Glinda and Elphaba, capturing the emotional core of the story in a cinematic and musical celebration.

Broadcasting Details

Wicked: One Wonderful Night aired on Thursday, November 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and is available for streaming on Peacock starting November 7. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the special bridges Broadway and Hollywood, offering fans an exclusive glimpse at the upcoming film while honoring the beloved musical’s legacy.