Ariana Grande At Oscars 2025: 5 Jaw-Dropping Moments, From Her Pink Schiaparelli To The Historic 'Wicked' Performance

Ariana Grande dominated the conversation at the 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, transforming the prestigious event into a celebration of all things *Wicked*. Her presence was felt across the red carpet, the main stage, and in the pre-show buzz, solidifying her status as a major Hollywood player beyond her pop music career. This year's ceremony was a watershed moment, not only for her show-stopping performance but also for the critical recognition she received, which has sparked intense debate about her future Academy Award prospects. The pop superstar’s night was a meticulously curated series of iconic moments, from her custom haute couture gown to a powerful musical number that opened the show. Fans and critics alike were captivated by the sheer spectacle, which served as a massive prelude to the release of the second *Wicked* film. The combination of high fashion, a historic performance, and the massive buzz surrounding her potential nomination made the 2025 Oscars one of the most memorable nights of her career.

Ariana Grande: A Brief Biography and Career Profile

Ariana Grande-Butera is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Born on June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, Grande began her career in 2008 in the Broadway musical *13* before rising to prominence for her role as Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon television series *Victorious* (2010–2013) and its spin-off *Sam & Cat* (2013–2014).

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993 (Age: 31 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress
• Major Film Role: Glinda Upland in *Wicked* (2024 & 2025)
• Grammy Awards: 2 Wins (out of multiple nominations)
• Recent Album: *Eternal Sunshine*
• Key Collaborators: Cynthia Erivo, Ethan Slater, Jon M. Chu, Max Martin
• Recent Major Awards Recognition: Golden Globe, Critics' Choice, and Oscar buzz for *Wicked*.

Her music career, launched with the 2013 album *Yours Truly*, has resulted in numerous chart-topping hits, including "Thank U, Next," "7 Rings," and "Problem." The role of Glinda in the two-part film adaptation of the musical *Wicked* (Part One released in 2024, Part Two released in 2025) marks her most significant move into major film acting, directly leading to her high-profile presence at the 2025 Academy Awards.

The Full Recap: Ariana Grande's 2025 Oscars Night

Ariana Grande’s attendance at the 97th Academy Awards was a multi-faceted event, spanning the red carpet, a major performance, and exclusive pre-show events. Her every move was analyzed, from her fashion choices to her interactions with co-star Cynthia Erivo and director Jon M. Chu.

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1. The Historic Opening Performance with Cynthia Erivo

In one of the most talked-about moments of the ceremony, Grande and her *Wicked* co-star, Cynthia Erivo, opened the 2025 Oscars with a spectacular musical medley. The duo performed a tribute to the legacy of *The Wizard of Oz* universe, including songs from the original film, *The Wiz*, and the Broadway smash *Wicked*.

Grande, channeling the spirit of Glinda and Dorothy, wore a stunning red sequined dress paired with iconic ruby slippers for the on-stage performance. The sheer scale of the production, which kicked off the entire 97th Academy Awards, underscored the massive cultural impact and industry anticipation surrounding the *Wicked* film series.

2. The Schiaparelli Pink Gown on the Red Carpet

Before taking the stage, Grande arrived on the red carpet in a breathtaking custom Schiaparelli gown. The dress was a pale pink, voluminous creation, featuring a structured, architectural silhouette that instantly cemented her as one of the best-dressed stars of the evening. The look was a perfect blend of high drama and classic elegance, symbolizing her transition into a serious film actress while maintaining her signature whimsical style.

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3. Pre-Show Buzz: Governors Awards and Nominees Dinner

Grande’s presence at the Oscars was not limited to the main ceremony. She was also a prominent figure at several high-profile pre-show events, underscoring her deep integration into the Hollywood awards circuit. She attended the 2025 Governors Awards Ceremony and the official Oscars Nominees Dinner, often alongside Erivo and other major nominees like Timothée Chalamet. Her attendance at these events, which are typically reserved for serious contenders, further fueled the speculation about her own potential nomination.

The Oscar Nomination Buzz: Glinda's Academy Recognition

The biggest story surrounding Ariana Grande at the 2025 Oscars was the intense discussion about her potential Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Glinda in the first *Wicked* film. While the film itself was a major presence at the awards, speculation was particularly focused on her individual performance.

Best Supporting Actress Contention

Grande was a major contender for a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 2025 Academy Awards. Her performance as Glinda Upland was widely praised by critics, leading to nominations and wins in various pre-Oscar critics' groups, including the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association (WAFCA).

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The search results confirm that the nomination was a reality for Grande, placing her alongside the industry's elite. This recognition is a massive achievement for an actress in her first major film role, signaling a significant shift in her career focus and trajectory. The nomination itself, regardless of the final win, is a powerful validation of her acting talent and her ability to anchor a major blockbuster film.

The 'Wicked' Film's Overall Success

The first *Wicked* film was a powerhouse at the 97th Academy Awards, securing a significant number of nominations, which tied it with other major contenders for the night. The film’s critical success, combined with its box office performance, created the perfect environment for Grande's nomination. The Academy's clear embrace of the movie, evident in its numerous nods, made the performance by Grande and Erivo a natural and highly anticipated opening act for the ceremony.

This success has only heightened expectations for the second part of the film, *Wicked: For Good*, which is set to conclude the epic story. The 2025 Oscars served as a powerful launchpad, ensuring that Ariana Grande will remain a central figure in the awards conversation for the foreseeable future, potentially even securing more nominations for the sequel in the 2026 awards cycle.

What Ariana Grande's 2025 Oscars Night Means for Her Career

Ariana Grande's night at the 2025 Academy Awards was more than just a red carpet appearance; it was a strategic and successful career pivot. By commanding the stage and earning a major nomination, she has officially transitioned from a global pop star who acts to a serious, Academy Award-recognized film actress.

The high-profile nature of the performance, the critical acclaim for her role as Glinda, and the undeniable fashion moment all contributed to a narrative of an artist fully embracing the world of cinema. Her decision to skip the exclusive Vanity Fair Oscar Party, despite her major presence at the ceremony, even sparked discussion, possibly indicating a focus on her professional commitments. The entire event has cemented her as a formidable dual-threat talent, a status that will undoubtedly influence her future music and film choices for years to come.