In a world saturated with pre-movie promotional tours, it takes something truly special to cut through the noise. Last night, on a glittering TV special celebrating the upcoming cinematic event, Wicked, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande delivered just that. The duo performed a duet that had social media buzzing and music lovers reaching for the history books: a stunning mashup of “Get Happy” and “Happy Days Are Here Again.”
The performance beautifully channeled one of the most iconic duets in television history, originally performed by Judy Garland and a young Barbra Streisand, creating a moment that felt both refreshingly new and deeply reverent.
A Masterclass in Vocal Chemistry
Dressed in elegant gowns that subtly nodded to their on-screen counterparts—Erivo in a sophisticated emerald green for Elphaba and Grande in a shimmering Glinda-esque pink—the two powerhouses took to the stage. What followed was a masterclass in vocal performance. Erivo, with her rich, soulful belt that can move mountains, anchored the performance with profound gravitas. Grande, whose crystal-clear soprano and signature whistle tones soared effortlessly, provided a bright, optimistic counterpoint.
This wasn’t just two artists singing on the same stage; it was a vocal conversation, a dance where their distinct styles intertwined to create pure magic. The performance was a testament to their incredible chemistry and a tantalizing preview of what’s to come.
The Legendary Duet That Started It All: Garland and Streisand in 1963
For many viewers, the performance struck a deeper chord. To understand why this duet felt so significant, we have to rewind to 1963. On an episode of The Judy Garland Show, the legendary Garland—a titan of Hollywood’s Golden Age—was joined by a 21-year-old rising star named Barbra Streisand. The two performed the very same mashup of “Get Happy” (Garland’s signature) and “Happy Days Are Here Again” (a song Streisand was making her own).
That 1963 performance wasn’t just a duet; it was a cultural event. It represented the established icon and the prodigious newcomer, a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation of vocal greatness to the next. The way their voices—Garland’s powerful, emotive vibrato and Streisand’s unique, soaring belt—played off each other became the stuff of legend. It’s still considered one of the greatest live television moments of all time.
Passing the Torch: A Tribute for a New Generation
Fast forward to today, and the parallels are undeniable. Cynthia Erivo, a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy-winning force of nature, and Ariana Grande, one of the biggest pop superstars on the planet, are the vocal titans of our time. By choosing this specific arrangement, they weren’t just performing a cover; they were consciously stepping into a legacy. They were acknowledging the giants on whose shoulders they stand, paying homage to the kind of transcendent musical moment that inspired millions.
Their rendition was no mere imitation. It was a heartfelt tribute infused with their own unique artistry. Erivo and Grande captured the spirit of the original—the joy, the powerhouse vocals, and the palpable chemistry—while making it entirely their own for a 21st-century audience.
A Perfect Overture for Wicked
The duet served as the perfect appetizer for Wicked, a story that itself hinges on the powerful, complex, and ultimately loving relationship between two formidable women. This performance was more than just promotion; it was a statement. It promised audiences that the upcoming film is in the hands of two performers who understand not only their characters but also the weight of musical history.
They did Garland and Streisand proud, creating a new, unforgettable moment for a new generation. If this is just a taste of the magic they’ll bring to Oz, then November can’t come soon enough.
