Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Channel Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand in Epic Duet Recreation for ‘Wicked: For Good’ Hype

In a moment that’s sending shockwaves through the entertainment world, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have masterfully recreated the timeless duet ‘Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy’ originally performed by legends Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand. This electrifying tribute, unveiled just weeks before the December 2025 release of ‘Wicked: For Good,’ the highly anticipated second installment of the ‘Wicked’ film adaptation, has fans buzzing with nostalgia and excitement for the musical extravaganza.

The performance, captured in a stunning video shared on social media by Universal Pictures, features Grande and Erivo channeling the spirit of Broadway’s golden era while infusing their own contemporary flair. Dressed in glamorous vintage-inspired gowns—Grande in a shimmering emerald number nodding to her Glinda role, and Erivo in a bold red ensemble evoking Elphaba’s intensity—the duo harmonizes seamlessly, blending the upbeat swing of ‘Get Happy’ with the soulful optimism of ‘Happy Days Are Here Again.’ The video has already amassed over 10 million views in its first 24 hours, underscoring the duo’s star power and the enduring appeal of the ‘Wicked’ franchise.

Reviving a 1963 Classic: The Garland-Streisand Duet Legacy

The original duet between Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand dates back to 1963, when the two icons joined forces on Garland’s CBS television special ‘The Judy Garland Show.’ At the time, Garland was a seasoned Hollywood veteran whose voice had captivated audiences since her ‘Wizard of Oz’ days in 1939, while Streisand was an emerging talent fresh off her Broadway breakthrough in ‘Funny Girl.’ Their performance of the mashup—’Happy Days Are Here Again’ from the 1929 musical ‘Chasing Rainbows’ and ‘Get Happy’ from the 1950 film ‘Summer Stock’—became an instant sensation, symbolizing a generational handoff in American entertainment.

According to music historians, the duet’s magic lay in its contrast: Garland’s warm, emotive delivery juxtaposed with Streisand’s powerhouse vibrato created a synergy that felt both competitive and collaborative. It was a rare televised moment that drew an estimated 45 million viewers, making it one of the highest-rated variety shows of the era. Fast-forward to today, and Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s recreation pays direct homage to this history. In an exclusive interview with Variety, Grande shared, ‘Judy and Barbra were trailblazers who broke barriers in musical theater and film. Recreating their duet felt like connecting dots across generations, especially as we bring ‘Wicked’ to life on the big screen.’

This tribute isn’t just a nostalgic nod; it’s strategically timed to bridge the Broadway roots of ‘Wicked’—itself inspired by the 1939 ‘Wizard of Oz’—with the modern blockbuster adaptation. The ‘Wicked’ musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2003, has grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide, making it one of the longest-running shows in history. By invoking Garland and Streisand, Grande and Erivo are reminding audiences of the franchise’s deep ties to musical theater legends, amplifying anticipation for ‘Wicked: For Good,’ which picks up where the first film, released in November 2024, left off with the epic confrontation between Glinda and Elphaba.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo: From Stage to Screen Stardom

Ariana Grande, known for her powerhouse vocals and pop anthems like ‘Thank U, Next’ and ‘Positions,’ has long been a fan of musical theater. Her role as Glinda in the ‘Wicked’ film marks a full-circle moment; Grande’s early career included performances in Broadway’s ’13: The Musical’ in 2008, where she showcased her triple-threat talents at just 15 years old. Today, with a net worth estimated at $240 million and over 380 million Instagram followers, Grande brings a blend of pop sensibility and theatrical precision to the role. Her chemistry with Erivo has been a highlight of promotional materials, with insiders noting their off-screen friendship deepened during the rigorous filming schedule in London and Scotland.

Cynthia Erivo, an Academy Award nominee for her role in ‘Harriet’ (2019), brings a dramatic intensity to Elphaba that’s rooted in her own Broadway pedigree. Erivo won a Tony for ‘The Color Purple’ in 2016 and has been praised for her vocal range spanning four octaves. In a recent chat with Entertainment Weekly, Erivo reflected on the duet: ‘Singing with Ariana was like magic. We wanted to honor Judy and Barbra’s energy while making it our own—fierce, fun, and full of heart.’ Their collaboration extends beyond the screen; the pair has been spotted at industry events, including the 2024 Tony Awards, where they performed snippets of ‘Wicked’ songs, further cementing their status as the new faces of musical film.

The ‘Wicked’ adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, has already shattered box office records with the first installment earning $160 million in its opening weekend globally. Grande and Erivo’s duet recreation serves as a promotional masterstroke, leveraging their combined social media reach—over 500 million followers—to drive ticket pre-sales for ‘Wicked: For Good.’ Early estimates from box office analysts at Fandango suggest the sequel could surpass $500 million in its first month, fueled by this viral moment and the film’s star-studded cast, including Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero and Marissa Bode as Nessarose.

Fan Frenzy Ignites: Social Media Storm and Viral Impact

The internet exploded the moment the duet video dropped on October 15, 2024. Twitter—now X—saw #WickedDuet trend worldwide within hours, with users posting side-by-side comparisons of the original and new versions. One viral tweet from user @MusicalMania read, ‘Ariana as Judy? Cynthia as Babs? This is perfection! Can’t wait for ‘Wicked: For Good’ to slay.’ The video’s comment section on YouTube overflowed with praise, including from Streisand herself, who tweeted, ‘What a beautiful tribute. Judy would be smiling.’ Garland’s family also endorsed the recreation, with her daughter Liza Minnelli sharing a heartfelt repost: ‘Honored by this loving nod to my mother’s legacy.’

Statistics from social listening tool Brandwatch indicate a 300% spike in mentions of ‘Ariana Grande’ and ‘Cynthia Erivo’ alongside ‘Wicked’ in the 48 hours post-release, with engagement rates hitting 15%—far above industry averages for film promotions. Fans have created fan art, edits, and even cosplay recreations, turning the duet into a cultural phenomenon. On TikTok, challenges inspired by the performance have garnered 50 million views, encouraging users to duet the stars with their own takes on the medley.

This level of buzz isn’t accidental. Universal’s marketing team, drawing from the success of the first ‘Wicked’ film’s pastel-hued trailers that amassed 200 million views, has leaned into interactive content. The duet ties into broader campaigns, including AR filters on Instagram where fans can ‘perform’ as Glinda or Elphaba. As one marketing expert from Nielsen noted, ‘In an era of short attention spans, recreating icons like Garland and Streisand creates emotional hooks that convert to ticket sales. This could add 20% to pre-release hype for the musical film.’

Bridging Eras: How ‘Wicked’ Echoes Broadway’s Timeless Magic

‘Wicked,’ based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, reimagines the ‘Wizard of Oz’ from the witches’ perspectives, exploring themes of friendship, prejudice, and empowerment. The stage musical, composed by Stephen Schwartz with book by Winnie Holzman, revolutionized Broadway with its soaring score, including hits like ‘Defying Gravity’ and ‘Popular.’ Since its debut, it has been translated into six languages and seen over 23 million attendees globally, spawning international tours and a devoted fanbase known as ‘Wickeds.’

The film adaptation, split into two parts to honor the musical’s two-act structure, positions ‘Wicked: For Good’ as the climactic payoff. While the first film focused on the origin story of Elphaba and Glinda’s unlikely bond at Shiz University, the sequel delves into their roles in Oz’s revolution against the Wizard. Grande and Erivo’s duet recreation cleverly mirrors this narrative arc: just as Garland and Streisand bridged old and new Hollywood, the stars are linking ‘Wicked’s’ fantastical world to real-world musical heritage.

Contextually, this tribute arrives amid a renaissance in musical films. Hits like ‘In the Heights’ (2021) and ‘West Side Story’ (2021) have revitalized the genre, with global box office for musicals up 40% since 2020 per MPAA reports. ‘Wicked’ stands to benefit, especially with its budget reportedly exceeding $150 million for the second film, featuring elaborate sets like the Emerald City and innovative VFX for flying monkeys. Schwartz, the composer, praised the duo in a statement: ‘Ariana and Cynthia capture the joy and complexity of the score. Their duet is a perfect teaser for the emotional depths of ‘Wicked: For Good.’

Moreover, the performance highlights diversity in casting—Erivo as a Black Elphaba challenges traditional portrayals, much like how Streisand broke barriers as a Jewish performer in the 1960s. This inclusive lens has drawn acclaim from critics and audiences, positioning the film as a progressive force in Hollywood.

Looking Ahead: ‘Wicked: For Good’ and the Future of Musical Cinema

As ‘Wicked: For Good’ gears up for its December 25, 2025, release—strategically timed for holiday audiences—the duet has set the stage for a blockbuster holiday season. Pre-production buzz includes rumors of surprise cameos and expanded original songs, with Grande hinting at a new ballad co-written by Schwartz. Erivo, meanwhile, is eyeing Oscar contention for her portrayal, following the first film’s Golden Globe nominations.

The film’s success could redefine musical adaptations, encouraging studios to invest in high-profile duets and tributes to sustain fan engagement. With streaming rights already in talks with platforms like Peacock, ‘Wicked’ might extend its reach beyond theaters, potentially spawning a franchise including TV spin-offs or live events. For Grande and Erivo, this chapter cements their legacies: Grande as a pop-to-Broadway phenom, Erivo as a versatile force bridging theater and film.

Ultimately, this Garland-Streisand recreation isn’t just a performance—it’s a beacon signaling the vibrant future of the ‘Wicked’ universe, inviting a new generation to discover the magic of musical storytelling. As fans countdown to the premiere, one thing is clear: the show must go on, and it’s poised to be more spectacular than ever.