Fans of “Wicked” have something to celebrate as they eagerly anticipate the release of “Wicked: For Good,” set to hit theaters on November 21, a year after the first part of the adaptation was unveiled. To whet their appetites, an exciting musical special titled “Wicked: One Wonderful Night” aired on NBC, featuring a reunion of the cast, including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
The special was filmed at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood earlier this year, drawing a lively audience dressed in vibrant costumes, many adorned with green-painted faces. A 37-piece live orchestra accompanied an intricately designed Emerald City-inspired stage, as the cast performed beloved songs from the musical such as “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “Dancing Through Life.”
In addition to fan favorites, Erivo and Grande previewed two new songs crafted for the upcoming film: Elphaba’s “There’s No Place Like Home” and Glinda’s “The Girl in the Bubble.” The performance featured featured appearances from Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, and Marissa Bode, with Jonathan Bailey contributing through pre-recorded segments.
For those who missed the live broadcast, “Wicked: One Wonderful Night” is now available for streaming on Peacock, offering fans a chance to relive the highlights. The evening opened with Grande leading the audience in “No One Mourns the Wicked,” followed by Erivo’s soulful and intimate rendition of “The Wizard and I,” accompanied by Goldblum, who made a charming appearance as the Wizard.
During the special, Jonathan Bailey shared his audition story for the role of Fiyero, revealing that he recorded himself singing “Dancing Through Life” amidst the buzz of a live performance, even amid interruptions. The show also included amusing audition clips from various celebrities, including Shaquille O’Neal and Khloe Kardashian, contributing comedic relief to the show’s spirit.
A particularly adorable segment highlighted 4-year-old superfan Remington, who went viral earlier this year for singing “Defying Gravity” in a doctor’s office. Grande welcomed him to the stage during her performance of “Popular,” where they sang together, showcasing the bond that “Wicked” has fostered across generations.
The emotional peak of the evening came when Erivo and Grande performed “For Good,” a testament to the profound friendship shared between their characters, Elphaba and Glinda. The heartfelt moment deepened as the original Broadway stars, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, joined in, delivering a powerful rendition of the beloved ballad.
As the special wrapped up, Grande and Erivo performed a medley of “Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again,” a fitting close that radiated optimism and love. “Wicked” promotes the essential message of acceptance and celebrates the beauty in uniqueness, a sentiment echoed by Erivo and Grande during their farewell to the audience.
Amidst the celebration, Erivo delivered an astounding performance of “Defying Gravity,” taking the iconic song to new heights—literally—by performing while suspended in the air, encapsulating the magical essence of “Wicked.” The special not only captured the spirit of the musical but also brought together a community of fans united in their love for “Wicked.”