Wicked special airs tonight on NBC with Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo live performances

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By: Daniel Harris

Wicked: One Wonderful Night airs tonight on NBC at 8 p.m. ET with live musical performances. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo headline the 2-hour special alongside the full cast. The magical event features reimagined songs from the beloved film franchise.

🔥 Quick Facts:

  • Airs tonight at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and streams on Peacock tomorrow
  • Stars Ariana Grande (Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) with special guest appearances
  • Features reimagined musical arrangements and cast interviews from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles
  • First film grossed $756.4 million globally, becoming highest-grossing Broadway adaptation ever
  • Wicked: For Good (Part 2) releases in theaters on Nov. 21, 2025

What Happened: The Wicked Event of the Year

Tonight’s Wicked: One Wonderful Night is a one-time-only celebration event. NBC and Universal Pictures collaborated on this exclusive two-hour special. The show features both stars performing live from the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Cynthia Erivo, a 3-time Academy Award nominee, brings Elphaba’s power to the stage. Ariana Grande, an Academy Award nominee, showcases Glinda’s charm and range. Together they’ve dominated box office records. Their chemistry makes this event unmissable for fans.

“These are not just performances—they’re a journey back to the land of Oz. You’ll see reimagined arrangements never performed before.”

NBC Entertainment Official Statement

The special includes more than just singing. It features behind-the-scenes moments, cast interviews, and surprise guest appearances. Other cast members like Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang, and Ethan Slater also perform live.

Why This Matters: A Cultural Moment

Wicked became a massive phenomenon in 2024. The film earned $756.4 million worldwide on a $150 million budget. It’s the highest-grossing musical film adaptation of all time. It’s the fifth most-profitable movie of last year.

Tonight’s special builds momentum for Wicked: For Good, releasing Nov. 21. The anticipation is enormous. Fans will finally see how the story concludes. This special keeps the excitement alive before the sequel arrives.

The live performances matter because they showcase raw talent. TV specials like this drive engagement and create memorable moments. Many viewers will watch this instead of streaming at home. It’s appointment television—something increasingly rare today.

The Details: How to Watch and What’s Included

Here’s everything you need to know about accessing the special:

Viewing Details Information
Air Date & Time Thursday, Nov. 6, 8p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
TV Channel NBC (cable, OTA antenna, streaming services)
Streaming Peacock (starting Nov. 7)
Duration 2 hours
Hosts Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo
Special Cast Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh

You have multiple ways to watch. Cable subscribers can tune into NBC live. Free streaming is available on YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Fubo TV for those with accounts. Peacock subscribers will get access the next day.

The special includes never-before-heard musical arrangements. The production team reimagined classic songs for live television. You’ll hear fresh versions of beloved tracks from both the original musical and the film.

What To Watch For Tonight

Here’s what makes this special worth tuning in:

  • Live vocal performances by the two leads in high-definition.
  • Chemistry between Grande and Erivo on stage performing together.
  • Guest appearances from surprising castmates they share screen time with.
  • Behind-the-scenes footage from filming both Wicked movies.
  • Exclusive interviews revealing personal stories about making the films.

Can This Special Build Momentum for Part Two?

Wicked: For Good drops in just 15 days. The sequel must prove the story’s continuation resonates. The first film set an incredibly high bar. Can the finale match that success?

Tonight’s special serves as a reminder of why fans fell in love with these characters. It reconnects audiences with the magical world of Oz. It teases what’s coming in the theatrical release. Television specials like this historically boost box office performance for films.

Industry experts predict Wicked: For Good will dominate the holiday box office. The fanbase is loyal and passionate. Merchandise sales remain strong. The musical fanatic community continues growing. All signs point to another massive hit.

Will tonight’s special convince you to pre-order tickets for November 21? The countdown begins now.

Sources

  • NBC – Official broadcast network announcement and special details
  • The Hollywood Reporter – Entertainment industry coverage of the special
  • CNN Entertainment – How to watch guide with streaming options

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