NBC's 'Wicked' Concert Special Features Full Song List and Surprise Duet

NBC's highly anticipated concert special, 'Wicked: Live from the Pantages Theatre,' aired on November 23, 2023, featuring an extensive setlist of 12 songs performed by an ensemble cast. Notably, the event included a surprise duet between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, marking a significant collaboration between the two Broadway stars.

This concert special fits into the broader context of the 'Wicked' franchise, which has seen various adaptations since its debut on Broadway in 2003. The musical, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, continues to draw in audiences with its themes of friendship and societal norms.

Previously, Grande and Erivo performed the iconic song 'Defying Gravity' together at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, which further highlighted their strong vocal chemistry. This marks the fourth public performance of this song by the duo, demonstrating their ongoing partnership.

The full setlist for the concert included fan favorites such as 'Popular' and 'For Good.' According to NBC’s press release, both Grande and Erivo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with their respective fan bases through this concert.

Industry sources confirm that this performance serves as a promotional strategy ahead of the highly anticipated film adaptation of 'Wicked', scheduled for release in November 2024. Similar strategies were employed prior to the release of other Broadway adaptations such as 'Hamilton' and 'Dear Evan Hansen'.

The concert special follows Grande's significant involvement in the staged version of 'Wicked,' with her first performance announced back in November 2020. Grande's theatre background and previous performances in productions like '13' (2008) and her vocal prowess in songs such as 'Almost is Never Enough' make her an ideal fit for the role of Glinda.

Moving forward, the upcoming 2024 film adaptation is expected to generate significant buzz, with both Grande and Erivo confirmed to reprise their roles. The continued success of the concert special solidifies the musical's staying power in popular culture and paves the way for future productions and collaborations.

As 'Wicked' continues to resonate with audiences globally, this concert special, combined with the upcoming musical film, illustrates a trend within the industry of revitalizing classic content through modern performances, ensuring its relevance for newer generations.

As of now, Grande and Erivo's successful collaboration demonstrates the ability of Broadway to adapt and thrive in a changing entertainment landscape. Fans can expect further updates regarding the film adaptation as its release date approaches, with potential additional performances to support the movie rollout.