Lorna Luft, daughter of the iconic Judy Garland who immortalized the role of Dorothy in the beloved 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz," was deeply moved by the Academy Awards' homage to her mother's legendary performance. During the 2025 Oscars, an emotional medley from the musical adaptation of "Wicked" featured Ariana Grande belting out the timeless classic "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," evoking memories of Garland's enchanting rendition.
On Monday, March 3, Luft, 72, took to her Instagram Stories to express her heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you to @arianagrande, @cynthiaerivo, and @theacademy for honoring my mother's memory with such elegance and beauty," she penned, her words brimming with appreciation. "My family and I are immensely grateful." She signed off with a warm "All Love, Lorna," accompanied by a heart emoji, encapsulating her sentiments perfectly.
For the "Wicked" medley that marked the Oscars' opening, Grande, 31, who portrays Glinda in the 2024 musical adaptation,再现了 Garland's Dorothy's classic tune just before her magical journey to Oz. Grande's attire also paid homage to Garland's iconic ruby slippers, as she donned a dazzling ruby red gown adorned with 150,000 Siam sequins, complemented by matching heels, bows, and a cascading tulle skirt, all meticulously designed by Daniel Roseberry. An intriguing detail on the back of her dress—a third shoe, a clever 3D trompe l'oeil placed between her shoulder blades—added an extra touch of magic.
Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba, sang "Home" from the 1975 Broadway show "The Wiz," wearing a strapless gown reminiscent of the one worn by Diana Ross in the musical's 1978 film adaptation. Erivo, 38, looked stunning in her ensemble, setting the stage for a memorable performance.
The two powerhouse actresses then united to sing "Defying Gravity," the song that concludes the first act of "Wicked." Grande gracefully stepped aside for the final high notes, showcasing their remarkable talent and camaraderie. Both actresses were nominated for Academy Awards for their captivating portrayals in the film.
"Wicked" garnered ten Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Original Score. While the film took home two prestigious awards—Best Costume Design for Paul Tazewell and Best Production Design for Lee Sandeles and Nathan Crowley—Tazewell made Oscar history that evening as the first Black man to win in his category.
For those eager to revisit the magical world of "Wicked," the film is now available on Prime Video and Apple TV+. It will join Peacock's streaming library on March 21. Meanwhile, fans can look forward to the second half of the adaptation, "Wicked: For Good," premiering in theaters on November 21, 2025.
