Held at Los Angeles’s Crypto.com Arena and broadcast globally, the 2026 Grammys highlighted a broad sweep of musical excellence, from rap and pop to Latin and alternative genres. Yet early in the festivities, during the premiere awards segment, Grande and Erivo’s “Defying Gravity” was announced as the winner in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category, besting contenders that included collaborations by Bruno Mars and ROSÉ, SZA and Kendrick Lamar, and the animated hit “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters.
The award marked a significant achievement for both artists. For Grande, this adds to an already impressive Grammy résumé; she now holds three wins out of nineteen nominations. Her previous triumphs include Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2021 for the electrifying dance-pop collaboration “Rain On Me” with Lady Gaga and Best Pop Vocal Album in 2019 for Sweetener. Erivo, a classically trained performer who has moved fluidly between film, stage, and music, secured her second Grammy—her first came in 2017 as part of the cast of The Color Purple for Best Musical Theater Album.
“Defying Gravity” itself carries a rich lineage. Originally written for the Broadway musical Wicked by Stephen Schwartz, the song has become one of musical theatre’s most iconic anthems, symbolizing self‑determination and liberation. In the Wicked film adaptation, released in late 2024, Grande and Erivo portrayed the roles of Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, bringing fresh emotional depth to the piece as part of an ensemble that bridged stage legacy with cinematic scope. The soundtrack’s release alongside the movie extended the song’s reach into mainstream pop culture, where its chart performance resonated internationally.
The win also comes as a pointed contrast to the Wicked sequel Wicked: For Good, which, despite being part of the same franchise, did not earn any nominations in the recent Academy Awards cycle, including in major categories such as Best Picture or acting honors for its stars. Nevertheless, the Grammy triumph affirmed the artistic impact of the franchise’s music and the chemistry between its leads, at a moment when awards season has otherwise seen mixed recognition for musical films.
Grande’s evolution from Nickelodeon starlet to one of pop’s most versatile performers has been marked by a signature blend of powerhouse vocals, genre-crossing adaptability, and savvy artistic reinvention. Each chapter of her career—from early chart successes to acclaimed album cycles and high‑profile film work—has reinforced her place in contemporary music. Erivo’s parallel journey, forged through rigorous stage training, award‑winning theatre performances, and thoughtful role choices in film and television, has made her a respected figure in both musical and cinematic realms. Their collaboration on “Defying Gravity” symbolized not just a melding of two distinct artistic paths but a shared commitment to storytelling through song.
In the broader context of the 2026 Grammys, where artists from Bad Bunny to Kendrick Lamar and Olivia Dean captured major honors, Grande and Erivo’s win for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance underscored the enduring allure of dramatic, narrative‑driven music that resonates beyond genre boundaries. It was a celebration of craft, legacy, and the emotional power that unfolds when two dynamic talents lift a song to new heights—much as the title suggests.
As both artists continue to expand their creative footprints, this Grammy victory stands as a testament to their versatility and the lasting cultural imprint of Wicked’s music. Fans and industry observers alike will likely view this win not just as an award but as recognition of a defining pop‑culture moment.
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