Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande: Grammys Upset

“Defying Gravity” Soars to Grammy Victory, Stunning Industry Predictions

A powerful performance of “Defying Gravity” from the Wicked soundtrack secured a Grammy Award for Cynthia Erivo and ariana Grande, defying pre-ceremony expectations and offering a boost to the film following its shutout at the Academy Awards.

The win for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance,announced at the 2026 Grammy awards’ “Premiere” ceremony,came as a surprise to many,given the competitive field. Nominees included high-profile collaborations like Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “30 for 30,” Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “Apt.,” and KPop Demon Hunters’ “Golden,” alongside katseye’s “Gabriela.”

Upset Victory in a Competitive Category

Despite being considered a long shot, “Defying Gravity” ultimately prevailed. Leading into the Grammys, industry predictions heavily favored Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “Apt.” with a 57.9% chance of winning, followed by KPop Demon Hunters’ “Golden” at 28.5%. “Defying Gravity” was predicted to capture only 11.9% of the vote. This outcome underscores the unpredictable nature of awards season and the enduring appeal of the Wicked franchise.

Did you know? – The “Premiere” ceremony,where most Grammy Awards are presented,is not televised. This means many winners don’t have the same platform as those honored during the main broadcast.

A Second Grammy for Erivo, Third for Grande

This Grammy marks the second win for Cynthia Erivo, who previously shared the Best Musical Theater Album Grammy in 2017 for The Color Purple. For Ariana Grande, this is her third Grammy Award, adding to her previous wins for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2019 for Sweetener and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with Lady Gaga in 2021 for “Rain on me.”

Notably, neither Erivo nor Grande were present to accept the award in person, as the “Premiere” ceremony-where the majority of awards are presented-is an untelevised event.

Pro tip – the Grammy Awards recognize achievements in the music industry. Winning can significantly boost an artist’s profile and album sales, even for songs originating in other media like film.

Rebound After Oscar Snub

The Grammy win arrives just ten days after Wicked: For Good failed to receive any nominations at the Oscars. This victory provides a meaningful morale boost for the film and its creators, demonstrating continued recognition from the music industry.

The success of “Defying Gravity” at the Grammys highlights the song’s enduring power and its resonance with both critics and audiences, solidifying its place as a modern classic.

Reader question – Do you think awards shows still hold the same weight in an era of streaming and social media? share your thoughts!