Not only did Erivo sing “Home” from that film, but Queen Latifah hit the stage to deliver a rousing, bouncy take on “Ease on Down the Road,” another of the film’s classic numbers (which Michael Jackson and Diana Ross took to No.

A Queen gave an Oscar tribute fit for a king. That’s what happened at the 97th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday night when Queen Latifah gave a salute to movie music icon Quincy Jones, who died at 91 from pancreatic cancer last November.

Grande first delivered a moonlit rendition of “Over the Rainbow,” which Judy Garland famously sang as Dorothy in the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” Erivo then belted her version of “Home” from the 1975 Broadway musical “The Wiz,” a Dorothy number originally performed by Stephanie Mills onstage and by Diana Ross in the 1978 film adaptation.

Until they came back together to sing the Wicked‘s part one closer, "Defying Gravity." While Ariana watched in amazement, seeing Erivo soar, nailing those final notes, as did the audience. The performance earned a standing ovation.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo brought Oz to the Oscars, kicking off the 97th annual ceremony with a magical musical medley from “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Wiz” and “Wicked.” After a tribute to Los Angeles,

There was plenty to take in, including a “Wicked” opener, Conan O’Brien gags, and memorable speeches both good and bad. And people watching on Hulu saw almost all of it.

Our team on the ground at the 2025 Oscars reflects on the night's key moments — some of which you didn't see on TV.