Emerald City is heading to primetime. NBC has announced a two-hour Wicked NBC Concert Special for November 6, 2025, bringing together the powerhouse duo of Ariana Grande (Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba). The event, filmed at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, will feature live performances, a full orchestra, and exclusive new material from Wicked: For Good, the second half of Universal’s blockbuster film adaptation.
For fans, it will be a full-on celebration of one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals.
What to Expect from the Wicked NBC Concert Special
The Wicked NBC Concert Special is structured like an event show rather than a traditional promo. Grande and Erivo will host and perform signature numbers, like “Defying Gravity,” alongside two brand-new songs written for the sequel by Stephen Schwartz. According to EW, the orchestra backing them will be 37 pieces strong, adding cinematic depth to the broadcast.
The special also promises exclusive clips from Wicked: For Good, teasing where the story of Elphaba heads next. Appearances from castmates Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Bowen Yang are expected, bringing star wattage beyond the two leads. As TVLine pointed out, the goal isn’t just to keep audiences hyped for the movie, but to remind viewers that Wicked is a cultural must-see.
Why NBC is Betting Big
The decision to air a full Wicked NBC Concert Special in primetime says a lot about the franchise’s cultural pull. GamesRadar noted that Wicked: Part One earned more than $1.2 billion globally in 2024, proving its appeal stretches well beyond Broadway diehards. By airing a concert event just weeks before the sequel’s November 21 release, Universal and NBC are keeping the momentum rolling through the holiday season.
It’s also a savvy move for NBC, which has a track record with televised musicals. For example, The Sound of Music Live! and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert pulled strong ratings. With Peacock streaming the special the next day, the network ensures it hits both traditional TV viewers and digital-first audiences. That dual release reflects Wicked’s reach across generations: those who remember Idina Menzel’s original Broadway run and those discovering the magic through TikTok edits of Grande’s vocals.
The Oz-Worthy Spectacle Factor
NBC isn’t downplaying the “concert” in the Wicked NBC Concert Special. Live numbers at the Dolby Theatre, a star-studded cast, and exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews aim to recreate the thrill of live performance on screen. It’s a risky formula because televised specials can feel overproduced if they lean too much on promotional fluff. But with Grande and Erivo anchoring the event, the night promises genuine showmanship.
Fans should also expect a mix of nostalgia and novelty. Beloved Wicked hits will likely be included, but the real draw lies in Schwartz’s new compositions. These songs could reveal important storyline beats for Wicked: For Good, making the concert a celebration and a sneak peek.
Why It Matters for Fans and the Franchise
For fans, the Wicked NBC Concert Special offers something rare: the chance to see Grande and Erivo perform live in character months before the sequel’s release. It also helps cement Wicked’s reputation as more than a musical or movie. It’s a culture-shaping juggernaut capable of commanding primetime slots and cross-platform rollouts.
For NBC and Universal, the special is proof that “event television” still matters in the streaming age. By blending live performance with exclusive film footage, they’re creating a communal moment that streaming alone can’t replicate. It echoes the grand tradition of television spectacles, but with the glitter of Oz. This event is designed to bring the world of Oz straight into living room with a concert worthy of the Emerald City.