The NBC special Wicked: One Wonderful Night was designed to celebrate the upcoming film sequel, Wicked: For Good, but it delivered a surprise finale that transcended the world of Oz and into the annals of Hollywood legend.
Ariana Grande (Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) closed the show with a spectacular duet of the medley “Get Happy / Happy Days Are Here Again.” This wasn’t just a random song choice; it was a deliberate, historic nod to the most iconic pairing in show business history—Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand.
The performance was a powerful statement: the two new giants of musical cinema were officially receiving the baton from the legends who pioneered the musical mash-up decades ago.
The Legacy: Why This Duet is Hollywood Royalty
To understand the magnitude of Grande and Erivo’s performance, you must know the history of the medley itself.
- The Original Clash of Titans (1963): In 1963, Judy Garland (the original Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz) invited a young, up-and-coming talent named Barbra Streisand onto her variety show, The Judy Garland Show. They performed a duet that mashed up two iconic songs: Garland’s signature “Get Happy” (from the film Summer Stock) and Streisand’s breakout commercial hit, “Happy Days Are Here Again.”
- The Significance: The impromptu arrangement—singing the upbeat “Get Happy” counter-melody over the dramatic, slower arrangement of “Happy Days Are Here Again”—was considered an electrifying moment in television history. It was a beautiful passing of the torch from one generation’s legend (Garland) to the next (Streisand).
- The Modern Homage: Grande and Erivo, two of the most powerful vocalists of their generation, recreated this legendary high-low vocal arrangement. By taking on the mantle of Garland and Streisand, the Wicked stars solidified their place in musical cinema history, declaring that their collaboration is truly “For Good.”
The Witches’ Glamour: Red Carpet Looks That Defy Gravity
Both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo commanded the stage with looks befitting their status—polished, powerful, and utterly luminous. To achieve the kind of flawless, long-lasting glamour required for a broadcast special, an intense level of preparation and high-performance products are essential.
1. Glinda’s Airbrush Perfection
Ariana Grande, as Glinda, embodies a bubble-gum pink perfection that must look flawless even in HD. Her makeup needs to be polished, bright, and utterly indelible.
- The All-Day Lock: For a look that stays perfect through high notes and emotional moments, makeup must be set with the finest powder. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder provides a micro-fine, blurring finish that keeps shine at bay without looking heavy.
- The Signature Lip: Ariana’s lip look is always plump and glossy. For a stage-ready pout that offers instant fullness, a high-shine gloss is crucial. We recommend the beautiful YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss for supreme comfort and an unforgettable sheen.
2. Elphaba’s Powerhouse Radiance
Cynthia Erivo’s style is often sharp, bold, and modern, reflecting Elphaba’s powerful inner strength. Her skin is always treated with care, ready for the spotlight.
- Primer for Power: For a deep, long-wear base that can handle intense stage lights and powerful vocals, the right primer is key. The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide ensures makeup grips for hours while delivering a smooth, hydrated canvas.
- High-Definition Lashes: Erivo’s eyes are a focal point. For a look that provides extreme lift, length, and volume, a high-performance mascara is non-negotiable. The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High® Mascara delivers dramatic, eye-opening results, perfect for the spotlight.
3. The Friendship Duet: Bonding Over Beauty
Just as Elphaba and Glinda were “Changed For Good” by their friendship, the real-life actors, who sport matching tattoos, share a close bond. Their high-stakes, high-visibility roles demand a focus on skin health and recovery.
- The Hydration Essential: Maintaining a flawless look under the pressure of filming and promoting requires constant hydration. For a quick boost that keeps skin looking dewy and fresh, a lightweight, peptide-rich serum is key. The rhode Glazing Milk can be patted over the skin throughout the day for an instant refresh.
The duet was not merely a fun cover; it was a deeply meaningful connection to a shared legacy of female performers who shaped American entertainment. It perfectly underscored the theme of Wicked—the power of female friendship that is strong enough to change the narrative “For Good.”