The new songs teased by Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for the upcoming sequel could end up pitting the two of them against each other. The story of the first Wicked movie focuses on the unlikely friendship that is formed between Elphaba and Glinda. Reviews for Wicked have been incredible, and many have specifically pointed out how good Erivo and Grande are in their roles. Wicked adapted Act 1 of the critically-acclaimed Broadway musical quite faithfully, but the upcoming Wicked: For Good is going to make some additions to the second half of the stageplay.
Both Erivo and Grande will sing brand-new, original songs in Wicked: For Good. Speaking about Elphaba’s new song in Wicked: For Good, Erivo claimed that it “speaks to the heart of who Elphaba is” and revealed it made the entire crew cry. Grande has also expressed excitement for Glinda’s new song in Wicked 2, teasing that it will show a side of Glinda fans have never seen before. However, the fact that Erivo and Grande both sing original songs in Wicked: For Good means that they will likely be competing against each other during next year’s awards season.
Wicked 2’s Original Songs Are Likely To Be In The Mix For 2026 Oscar Nominations
The First Wicked Movie Has Been Nominated For Tons Of Awards
The first Wicked movie has been very successful during awards season leading up to the 2025 Academy Awards. Therefore, it’s likely that Wicked: For Good will receive major awards buzz after its November 21, 2025 release. Since the first Wicked movie only features songs from the Broadway musical, it has not qualified for any original song awards. However, there’s a strong chance that the new songs sung by Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked 2 will be nominated for several awards.
Erivo and Grande have been extremely supportive of each other during the current awards season, but that’s because they’ve been part of different acting categories at all the major award ceremonies.
More than likely, both of these songs will be nominated for the Best Original Song Oscar at the 2026 Academy Awards. If this is the case, then Erivo and Grande will technically be competing against each other in the category. Erivo and Grande have been extremely supportive of each other during the current awards season, but that’s because they’ve been part of different acting categories at all the major award ceremonies.
The 2026 Best Original Song Oscar Could Come Down To Choosing Between Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande
Erivo & Grande Will Likely Both Give Amazing Performances in Wicked 2
If they’re both nominated for a Best Original Song Oscar, Erivo and Grande will likely still be supportive of each other, but Academy voters will potentially be forced to choose between them. Erivo’s Elphaba is technically the main character of the movie, whereas Grande’s Glinda is a supporting character. However, both of them gave amazing performances in the first Wicked movie. Their performances in Wicked prove that it would be tough for Academy voters to choose between their new songs.
Furthermore, there’s also a chance that Universal Pictures will have to campaign for one over the other to secure a win. This situation could put everyone involved in a very awkward position. After their outstanding performances in Wicked, it will be interesting to see if either Erivo or Grande wins a Best Original Song Oscar for their performances in the upcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good.
