Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s Judy Garland tribute gets stunning verdict from late singer’s daughter

by

Lorna Luft, Judy Garland’s daughter, has praised a new tribute performance to her mother by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, both stars of the musical ‘Wicked’.

As a lifelong fan, I truly believe Judy Garland’s most unforgettable role is in the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. It’s amazing to think that this beloved movie started as a book by L. Frank Baum, and that same story eventually blossomed into the incredibly popular Broadway musical, Wicked! It’s a fantastic legacy.

Ahead of the release of ‘Wicked: For Good’, the second movie based on the popular musical, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo beautifully honored Judy Garland.

Oh my gosh, you will NOT believe this! They completely recreated this incredible duet – it was Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand together on Judy’s old CBS show, back in 1963! It’s just… heartbreaking because Judy passed away only six years later, at just 47. Knowing that makes watching it even more special, honestly. It’s like seeing a moment frozen in time before everything changed.

The original song was a combination of “Get Happy,” famously performed by Judy Garland in the 1950 movie Summer Stock, and “Happy Days Are Here Again,” which Barbra Streisand had just released on her first album.

Ariana Grande, 32, and Cynthia Erivo, 38, performed the song again for the Peacock special Wicked: One Wonderful Night, and received positive feedback from original Wicked star Kristin Luft, 72, according to TMZ.

As a lifelong fan, I was so touched by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s choice of duet! Honestly, it just fills my heart whenever anyone takes on Judy Garland’s songs – it’s something I deeply appreciate, and Luft’s comment really resonated with how I feel.

Luft, Garland’s third husband of five, also shared, ‘I adore them both, and they are exceptionally gifted.’

Regarding the new movie, Luft explained that while they appreciate ‘Wicked,’ it’s important to remember that the story wouldn’t exist without ‘The Wizard of Oz.’

In her autobiography, My Name Is Barbra, Streisand movingly described performing “Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again” alongside Judy Garland.

You know, one memory that always sticks with me is performing a duet with someone special. I remember sitting right next to her – I was wearing a classic white middy blouse at the time – and noticing she was actually trembling. It was a really touching moment, and I’ve never forgotten it.

It was surreal. She reached for my arm, like she needed a little support, and then squeezed my hand – a really tight grip. She didn’t let go for the entire song, and honestly, it took me by surprise. Here I was, standing with Judy Garland, and I couldn’t help but wonder what was making her so anxious. I instantly felt a huge wave of empathy for her; it was heartbreaking.

Barbra Streisand reflected on a past experience, recalling that she was twenty-one when the other person involved was forty-one. Looking back now, she realizes that fear tends to grow with age. She also noted that success brings more pressure and a feeling that many people are hoping for your downfall.

By that point, Judy Garland was struggling with both alcohol and drug addictions. Before going on stage, she would often drink Liebfraumilch, a German wine, to calm her nerves.

In her autobiography, Barbra Streisand explained she didn’t join the other person for wine because she doesn’t enjoy the taste. She also wasn’t trying to relax or calm her nerves, as she was simply thrilled to be performing with them.

Luft is a singer who often performs her mother’s famous songs. This is different from her older sister, Liza Minnelli, who very rarely sings Judy Garland’s songs herself.

When the first “Wicked” film was released last year, Luft used her social media accounts to enthusiastically compliment the movie and its stars.

After seeing the movie in New York, she was full of praise, calling it amazing, grand, heartfelt, and genuine. She also said it was visually stunning.

She was thrilled with every aspect of the film – the sets, costumes, makeup, acting, dancing, and overall production. She told director Jon Chu that he beautifully continued the legacy of the original, and expressed her gratitude for welcoming him into the creative family.

She was incredibly impressed with Cynthia and Ariana, calling their performances ‘magnificent.’ She described a powerfully emotional experience, praising both their amazing voices and their ability to connect with the audience through honest, nuanced, and often funny performances. She felt their performances were simply perfect.

The actor, who comes from a Hollywood family, also praised the rest of the cast, especially Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum, calling them phenomenal.

Liza Minnelli, who has kept a low profile lately, hasn’t spoken publicly about the upcoming Wicked films. However, she’s currently writing a memoir where she might share her thoughts on them.

Read More

2025-11-12 20:36