Ariana Grande captivated audiences in a custom butterfly-embellished gown during NBC’s “Wicked: One Wonderful Night” special, a televised concert that aired on November 7, 2025, featuring star-studded performances from the cast of the upcoming “Wicked” films. The event showcased a blend of musical excellence and high fashion, drawing widespread attention for its elaborate costumes and memorable moments.
The highlight of Grande’s appearance was a blush pink strapless ballgown designed by Robert Wun, adorned with three-dimensional butterflies that seemed to flutter across the bodice and voluminous skirt. Stylist Law Roach, who curated the look, described it as “one of thee most beautiful things I’ve ever seen” in an Instagram post, emphasizing the gown’s fairy-tale quality. Accessories included matching butterfly earrings with delicate antennae, a finger piece, and other accents, all contributing to the ethereal aesthetic. Behind-the-scenes images revealed the meticulous craftsmanship involved in attaching the sculptural butterflies, highlighting the collaborative effort between the designer and styling team.
Grande wore multiple outfits throughout the two-hour special, each carefully selected to reflect her character Glinda’s whimsical nature. These included a vintage Bob Mackie gown from 1997, originally worn by Fran Drescher, a silver Alexander McQueen dress from the 2005 collection, and a 1940s Gilbert Adrian gown that paid homage to the original “Wizard of Oz” film. Roach sourced archival pieces and custom designs to create a cohesive narrative, blending historical fashion with modern couture. The variety of looks demonstrated Grande’s commitment to method dressing, seamlessly integrating costume into her performance.
The special, taped on September 24, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, reunited Grande with co-star Cynthia Erivo and other cast members, including Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Bowen Yang. Performances featured classic songs from “Wicked,” such as “Defying Gravity” and “Popular,” as well as new compositions from the forthcoming “Wicked: For Good.” A poignant moment occurred when Grande, Erivo, and original Broadway stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth joined for a heartfelt rendition of “For Good,” bridging the stage and screen adaptations.
Erivo’s fashion choices complemented her role as Elphaba, with outfits from designers like Marni, Mugler, and Yves Saint Laurent that incorporated dark, witchy elements. Michelle Yeoh wore a custom Christian Siriano gown, while Jeff Goldblum opted for tailored suits, adding to the event’s visual diversity. The production included a 37-piece live orchestra, celebrity spoof segments, and aerial performances, enhancing the entertainment value. This fashion bonanza underscored the special’s focus on artistry beyond music, with costumes symbolizing themes of transformation and identity.
“Wicked: One Wonderful Night” served as a promotional precursor to “Wicked: For Good,” the second part of the film adaptation set for release on November 21, 2025. Available for streaming on Peacock, the special allows fans to experience the magic repeatedly, building anticipation for the movie. The event not only celebrated the enduring legacy of “Wicked” but also highlighted the importance of costume design in storytelling, with many looks inspired by the musical’s messages of hope and change.
Coverage from reliable outlets like Vogue and Yahoo Entertainment confirms the cultural significance of the special, particularly Grande’s butterfly gown, which has become a symbol of elegance and creativity. As the “Wicked” franchise evolves, this event reinforces its ability to inspire across mediums, setting the stage for future innovations in entertainment. Viewers can expect continued enchantment with the film’s release, capping off a year of memorable performances and fashion statements.
