It begins with a wide, continuous shot that drifts through the City of Angels — a bold echo of Wicked (2024)’s opening sequence. As the camera moves through the iconic props, we feel like we’re in an Oz museum — except it’s prime-time TV, and the whole world is invited to the party. Wicked: One Wonderful Night (2025) isn’t just a promotional special; it’s a glittering, chaotic, heart-on-its-sleeve love letter to Wicked itself. I laughed, I cried, and I screamed “holy Oz!” more times than I care to admit.
First, Ariana Grande finally fulfilled fans’ dreams of seeing her descend in an inspired Broadway Glinda bubble. Watching her live performance of “No One Mourns the Wicked” was an absolute treat and, once again, proof that she was meant to play the role of Glinda.
The special transitioned from the Dolby Theatre to pre-recorded interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and even sneak peeks from Wicked: For Good (2025).
Jeff Goldblum, who plays the Wizard of Oz, was shown to have kept the gigantic movie prop of his own head, which is the most Jeff-coded thing ever — if you know, you know. This guy’s ego is somehow incredibly charming. The bit is theatre absurdity at its finest, and it all makes perfect sense in the most bizarre way.
Then there’s Cynthia Erivo. My jaw is still somewhere on the floor. Her rendition of “The Wizard and I” was so clean it looked effortless — which, spoiler, it absolutely isn’t. That final note? She made a recovery so smooth that I couldn’t even tell at first listen. Infinite kudos. Erivo is out of this world, a prodigious voice that makes you believe in magic again.
Meanwhile, we discovered that Jonathan Bailey casually recorded his audition tape for Wicked five minutes before going on stage for the 2022 revival of the play Cock on London’s West End. Five minutes. Just like his character, Fiyero — charming, reckless, infuriating. Rage bubbles in me when I remember Erivo’s audition was three hours long, while his was basically a voicemail. But fine, he is the sexiest man alive, so he gets away with it. He doesn’t, however, get away with breaking my heart, as his absence from the live show meant we only saw him in pre-recorded snippets.
Then “What Is This Feeling” happened. Breakdance. Tap dance. A remix with “Dear Old Shiz” that had Michelle Yeoh dancing? I didn’t think this number could get any better, but apparently it can. Musical chemistry? Off the charts. Erivo even did the viral dance, and yes, we screamed. These characters are so gay, and I’m here for it. Honestly, I want someone to look at me the way these enemies-to-lovers look at each other.
The special also zoomed out to show Wicked’s impact worldwide. Wholesome doesn’t cover it. One fan declared, “Loving Wicked isn’t a hobby for me, it is a lifestyle.” Same girl, same.
A four-year-old fan, Remington, was invited to play Elphaba as Ariana sang “Popular.” He was adorable — not adorable enough to make me reconsider having kids, but still. His toss toss was masterclass worthy.
The outfits for the whole evening? Exquisite. And the sneak peeks of the new songs nearly made me cry — and will definitely make me cry when Wicked: For Good finally premieres.
We also got a glimpse of what’s ahead in part two of Wicked with “Thank Goodness” and “For Good,” recorded at the Gershwin Theatre with Stephen Schwartz at the piano and two surprise guests. Fans have asked for a Wicked Broadway performance from Erivo and Grande, and this is as close as it gets. Their voices together were stunning, each bringing a unique style to the song. Although the mix of volumes was slightly off, the emotional weight carried it through — a full circle moment if there ever was one.
Undoubtedly one of the best moments of the special, “Defying Gravity.” Erivo lifted into the air, a fan staring in awe, mirroring my exact reaction. I swear, when she sings, the laws of physics stop applying — chills everywhere.
The cast also spoke about their friendship — a bond so special that even years apart, they’d pick up right where they left off. It was moving, grounding, and a reminder that behind the spectacle are genuine connections.
Finally, the closing number: a perfect homage to Judy Garland. “Get Happy / Happy Days Are Here Again,” sung by legends owning the stage, harmonizing their way into history once more. It was joy, it was reverence, it was all a closing number should be.
Wicked: One Wonderful Night is a TV special to hype the upcoming film, but it’s also a celebration, a collective gasp, and a reminder of why Wicked matters.
For those of us heartbroken that this last Cascade issue comes before Wicked: For Good, consider it a wonderful consolation prize — one that sparkles, dances, and defies gravity all over again.
