Archive · 7 Nov 2025
NBC's 'Wicked' Special Cut Six Taping Highlights, Including Ovation for Political Remark
Imagine you're going to watch a special TV show about the musical 'Wicked.'
This show was filmed ahead of time, like a movie.
When they filmed it, they recorded many songs and conversations.
But when the show finally aired on TV, some parts were missing.
For example, one actress said something about 'power hungry dictators' and the audience clapped for a very long time, but that part wasn't shown on TV.
They also filmed some songs more than once to make sure they were perfect.
Sometimes, they filmed introductions for things that didn't end up in the show.
During breaks, they had fun activities like teaching the audience dances and playing music, which weren't all shown either.
They even filmed a special song in New York with the original stars of the musical, which was saved for the TV show.
NBC's 'Wicked: One Wonderful Night' special, taped at the Dolby Theatre, featured performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
A lengthy standing ovation occurred when Marissa Bode mentioned 'power hungry dictators' in her introduction to 'Defying Gravity,' but this was cut from the broadcast.
Choreographer Chris Scott taught the audience moves for the opening number 'No One Mourns The Wicked,' a segment not fully shown on air.
Several musical numbers, including Erivo and Grande's duets and Erivo's 'Defying Gravity,' were filmed multiple times for editing purposes.
The special included filmed introductions and sneak peeks for segments, like interviews and the 'For Good' performance with original stars, which were reserved for the broadcast airing.
- Who
- NBC, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Marissa Bode, Chris Scott, Chappell Roan, cast of Wicked
- What
- A broadcast special taping of 'Wicked: One Wonderful Night' that included performances, interviews, and sneak peeks, with several moments cut from the final broadcast.
- When
- The special was taped on September 24 for a broadcast airing just before the premiere of 'Wicked: For Good'.
- Where
- The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with one performance of 'For Good' filmed at the Gershwin Theatre in New York City.
- Why
- To promote the upcoming theatrical release of 'Wicked: For Good' and celebrate the musical's legacy.
Content for Broadcast
Content Cut from Broadcast
Marissa Bode's Introduction to 'Defying Gravity'
Content for Broadcast
Bode's introduction focused on the song being an ode to authenticity and believing in oneself despite obstacles.
Content Cut from Broadcast
Bode's original introduction also mentioned toppling 'power hungry dictators,' which caused a lengthy standing ovation and was cut from the broadcast.
- Event
- Wicked: One Wonderful Night broadcast special
- Original Air Date
- Thursday night (specific date not provided)
- Taping Location
- Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles (except for 'For Good')
- Taping Date
- September 24
- Performers
- Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, cast of Wicked
- Upcoming Release
- Wicked: For Good