On Sunday (January 5), host Nikki Glazer took a seat at the beginning of the 2025 Golden Globe Awards ceremony and opened the show with a monologue. And she got a little help from the stars of Wicked.
The comedian joked that Hollywood has the power to do anything — except convince people who to vote for, apparently. Looking out at the star-studded crowd, he quipped: It might not be another election. “I’m scared. Ariana, hold my finger, thank you!” she said while extending her hand to Ariana Grande, who was sitting next to co-star Cynthia Erivo.
The singer and actress, who plays Glinda in the blockbuster movie, reached out to the host with a white-gloved hand, but Erivo (who plays Elphaba) instead offered the “Thank U, Next” singer a manicured index finger. Ta. Grande delicately grabbed it, mouthed it, and gestured to her friend, “I’m holding hers.”
The moment was in reference to a meme between the two Wicked stars that went viral in November ahead of the film’s release. At that press moment, journalists were discussing with the two women the influence of the song “Defying Gravity,” which is featured in both the film and the Broadway production, but Erivo seemed to be caught off guard and Grande held her hand. I reached out and gently took her index finger. With subtle signs of support.
Both Grande and Erivo are nominated for their roles in the film, and the film itself is up for Best Musical and Best Comedy, as well as Best Picture and Box Office.
The show also featured musical presenters such as Elton John and Brandi Carlile, as well as music figures such as Billboard charting actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kate Hudson and Awkwafina.
The Golden Globe Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Corporation. PMC is also the parent company of Billboard.
