Wicked: One Wonderful Night Unveils Behind-the-Scenes Magic and Duets
Wicked: One Wonderful Night Unveils Behind-the-Scenes Magic and Duets
NBC's Wicked special delivers backstage magic, surprising takes of Defying Gravity, and star-studded duets led by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles was the setting for Wicked: One Wonderful Night, a two-hour NBC special that offers fans a rare look behind the curtain. Filmed on September 24, the show treats audiences to nine things you didn’t see on TV, including multiple takes of Defying Gravity, reminding us how many moving parts go into a single standout moment. The energy in the room translated into a performance that felt both polished and intimate, with the audience getting a front-row glimpse of the craft that brings Oz to life.
A central thrill of the night was the collaboration between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who co-host the celebration. The pair guide viewers through the night, highlighting fan-favorite songs from Wicked’s world while also delivering fresh, live moments that feel like a reunion of sorts for the beloved characters and their journeys.
In a standout musical sequence, Grande and Erivo veer into a medley that pays homage to Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand, performing the legendary Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again mashup. The history behind this mellifluous pairing adds a nostalgic spark to the show’s climactic arc, tying together generations of musical theatersongcraft.
The energy crescendos with a reunion you won’t want to miss: Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth join Grande and Erivo for an epic rendition of For Good, a moment fans have long anticipated as the heart of Wicked’s Broadway saga. This moment anchors the special as a celebration of shared legacies—on stage and beyond.
Throughout Wicked: One Wonderful Night, performances from the two Wicked films anchor the evening, but the focus remains on the magic that happens off-camera—the rehearsals, the near-misses, and the moments of pure revelation that only a live taping can reveal. Fans can expect a night filled with warmth, humor, and a reminder that even the most iconic shows have plenty of secrets left to share.
Cover image source: How To Watch ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ Live Online 🔗
