Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Honor Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland with ‘Happy’ Duet
On the NBC TV special Wicked: One Wonderful Night, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo delivered a memorable mashup of "Get Happy" and "Happy Days Are Here Again," originally performed by Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland in 1963.
The show primarily showcased songs by Stephen Schwartz from the two Wicked movies. However, for the finale, Grande and Erivo delightfully diverged from the musical’s soundtrack to perform this iconic medley.
The History Behind the Medley
The mashup combines two classic standards, "Get Happy" and "Happy Days Are Here Again," both nearly a century old. Although widely linked today, these songs were famously fused for the first time when Garland and Streisand performed them together on a 1963 episode of The Judy Garland Show.
The Judy/Barbra performance became legendary partly because it captured two legends at opposite ends of their careers.
This pairing has since become cherished by fans who appreciate classic show tunes and musical history. While some younger viewers might have found the medley unfamiliar initially, enthusiasts of musical theater recognized and celebrated it immediately.
Performance Impact
- The duet provided a surprising and touching finale to the two-hour special.
- It highlighted the timeless quality of these songs and their historical connection.
- Grande and Erivo’s rendition paid tribute to the original artists while adding a modern flair.
Legacy of the Original Collaboration
Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland’s 1963 rendition remains a defining moment in musical television history, symbolizing the passing of artistry between different generations of performers.
The mashup’s lasting appeal lies in its joyful blending of two classics and the emotional resonance delivered by both original and contemporary performers alike.
Author’s Summary: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s performance of the classic “Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again” medley brilliantly revives a legendary 1963 moment, connecting generations through timeless music.