It’s just a few short weeks away from the premiere of Wicked: For Good in theaters!
As the November 21 release date for the musical sequel rapidly approaches, the press tour is in full swing. The latest event on the tour was a television concert, Wicked: One Wonderful Night.
Wicked: One Wonderful Night featured the stars of the films (minus Jonathan Bailey), offered previews of Wicked: For Good, showcased songs from both films, and celebrated the cultural impact of Wicked.
Here are five of our favorite moments!
Wicked: One Wonderful Night aired on NBC on November 6 and is available to stream on Peacock.
Bowen Yang and Ethan Slater’s Fiyero-off
While fans were sad to see Jonathan Bailey miss the event, two of his cast mates picked up where he left off. Bowen Yang, who plays Glinda’s sassy friend Pfannee, came out on stage wearing a robe, only to reveal a Fiyero costume underneath, announcing that he was Fiyero’s big screen understudy.
After beginning Fiyero’s big number from the first film, “Dancing Through Life,” Yang was surprised by Ethan Slater, who plays Boq in the film. Slater joined Yang, claiming that he is Fiyero’s actual understudy, leading to a Fiyero-off between the two stars.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s ‘Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again’
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande (who play Elphaba and Glinda) didn’t only sing songs from Wicked! At one point in the show, the pair teamed up for a moving duet of “Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again.”
After Erivo said the world feels “divided,” “as if we’re reading from different pages and different books,” Grande added, “We want you all to know that you’re never alone, and you’re safe with us, and we love you so much.”
The two co-stars then launched into a rendition of “Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again” inspired by the iconic 1963 performance by Barbra Streisand and original Wizard of Oz star, Judy Garland.
Marissa Bode’s cut anti-dictator statement.
One of our favorite moments from the special is one viewers didn’t get to see.
While Marissa Bode, who plays Elphaba’s sister Nessarose, was introducing Cynthia Erivo’s performance of “Defying Gravity,” she spoke about the song’s meaning.
On the broadcast, Bode said the song “connected with so many people from all over the world. I’m talking, of course, about ‘Defying Gravity,'” she continued. “The song is an ode to authenticity and about believing in yourself, no matter what obstacles the world puts in your way. Performing ‘Defying Gravity,’ please welcome the incredible Cynthia Erivo.”
However, according to Entertainment Weekly, when the show was recorded, Bode also said the song’s messages were also about standing up to a “power-hungry dictator,” but that part was cut from the live broadcast.
Ariana Grande and Remy’s adorable ‘Popular’
Instead of Erivo, Ariana Grande performed Glinda’s signature song, “Popular,” in extra adorable fashion with a 4-year-old boy named Remington, who is a Wicked superfan! Remington had gone viral on TikTok earlier this year for singing “Defying Gravity” while visiting the doctor. Now, he got his chance to shine on stage opposite the real Glinda.
Grande had to help Remington, whom she dubbed “Remy” for the night, up onto the bed before she began singing to him. The performance was both hilarious and bewitchingly precious.
‘For Good’
Erivo and Grande gave fans a preview of their duet of the Wicked classic, “For Good,” with an extra special surprise! In the middle of singing the song, Erivo and Grande were joined in their tearful duet by the original Elphaba and Glinda from the musical – Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth.
