Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande just proved that you don’t need an Oscar to be the highest in the room or the most talented in the stratosphere. After the jaw-dropping news that Wicked: For Good was completely shut out of the 2026 Academy Award nominations, the universe (and the Recording Academy) decided to set things right.
At Vogue Vocal, we aren’t just reporting the news; we’re living for the drama, the justice, and the sheer vocal power of this iconic duo. On February 1, 2026, the stars aligned at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where the first award of the night, Grammy Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, went exactly where it belonged: to Elphaba and Glinda.
If you’ve been living under a rock (or just in a different part of Oz), let us catch you up. The chemistry between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo isn’t just movie magic; it’s a cultural shift. From their tear filled press tours to those viral moments where they described each other’s “auras,” they’ve given us enough content to last a lifetime.
But let’s talk about the music. Their rendition of “Defying Gravity” from the 2024 Wicked film wasn’t just a cover; it was a reimagining that shook the rafters. While the Oscars might have “forgotten” them this year for the sequel, the Grammys clearly remember excellence. This win marks a massive milestone especially considering the 2026 field was packed with heavy hitters like ROSÉ and Bruno Mars.
Winning the Grammy Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2026 was no small feat. The competition was fierce
Honestly, we at Vogue Vocal think the “Defying Gravity” win was the ultimate “thank u, next” to the Academy. Watching the 2026 Grammys telecast, you could practically feel the collective sigh of relief from fans worldwide. Justice was served on a silver (or gold) platter.
This isn’t the first time Ariana Grande Cynthia vibes have dominated the charts. Ariana, now 32, is officially a three-time Grammy winner. She previously snatched trophies for Sweetener (Best Pop Vocal Album, 2019) and “Rain on Me” with Lady Gaga (2021).
Cynthia Erivo, 39, is equally decorated. This 2026 win adds to her 2017 Grammy for The Color Purple. She’s essentially one step closer to that legendary status we all know she deserves.
Vogue Vocal Commentary: Can we just acknowledge that Cynthia Erivo is a powerhouse? Her Elphaba didn’t just sing; she transformed. And Ariana’s Glinda? She gave us the perfect mix of “Popular” charm and genuine vocal depth. We’re not crying, you’re crying.
Let’s address the elephant in the room or the flying monkey in the theater. Why was Wicked: For Good snubbed at the 2026 Oscars? Despite the first film earning a staggering 10 nominations in 2025, the sequel received… zero.
Some “insiders” claim the promotional tour was “too much” with voters feeling the duo’s public affection was “performative.” To that, we say: Please. In a world of boring press junkets, give us the hand-holding, the aura-reading, and the genuine friendship. Michelle Yeoh herself expressed “shock” at the snub, noting that Wicked: For Good was even more elaborate than the first.
Luckily, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande didn’t let the Academy’s lack of vision dampen their spirits. Their Grammy victory for “Defying Gravity” serves as a bold reminder that the music community knows exactly who the real winners are.
At the end of the day, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have built something that transcends awards. Their bond, their voices, and their dedication to the world of Wicked have left an indelible mark on pop culture.
The 2026 Grammys will be remembered as the night the “snubbed” stars rose above the noise. As Ariana posted on her Instagram Stories, “this is so special.” We couldn’t agree more. Whether you’re a Glinda or an Elphaba, one thing is certain: these two are gravity-defying legends.
Vogue Vocal Mic Drop: If the Oscars don’t want the magic, the Grammys are happy to take the gold. Stay mad, Academy.
Actually, it wasn’t a song, but her 2018 album Sweetener that won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2019. It was a career-defining moment for her!
Yes! The version performed by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for the Wicked movie soundtrack won the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in 2026.
Ariana Grande is a three-time Grammy winner as of 2026. While she has been nominated for her acting and musical contributions to film, she has not yet won an Oscar.
While the stars won for “Defying Gravity,” the soundtrack itself was nominated for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, and the score was nominated for Best Score Soundtrack.
They won against some major stars, including SZA, Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars, and the breakout group KATSEYE.
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