We all know that music has the power to transcend time and generations, and that was certainly evident in the recent TV special “Wicked: One Wonderful Night” on NBC. While most of the performances focused on songs from the “Wicked” movies by Stephen Schwartz, the climax of the show featured a delightful surprise from stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
During the two-hour special, Grande and Erivo took a detour from the “Wicked” repertoire to perform a medley of two iconic songs made famous by Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland 62 years ago. The mashup of “Get Happy” and “Happy Days Are Here Again” may have initially puzzled some younger viewers, but for fans of a certain age and those with a love for show tunes, it was a moment of pure magic.
The original performance of these songs by Garland and Streisand on “The Judy Garland Show” in 1963 became legendary. Streisand, then a young and upcoming talent at 21, sang “Happy Days Are Here Again” from her debut album, while Garland, a seasoned performer at 41, belted out “Get Happy,” a song she popularized in the 1950 film “Summer Stock.”
Although the medley may not be as widely known today, it continues to be a favorite among musical theater actors looking to showcase their talents. Erivo, who previously performed the duet with Ben Platt in 2024, brought her own flair to the iconic pairing alongside Grande in the TV special.
The history behind the original performance is equally fascinating, with Garland personally inviting Streisand to appear on her show after being impressed by her performance at the Cocoanut Grove. The duet was a spontaneous idea that resulted in a mesmerizing blend of two classic songs.
Over the years, the medley has been revisited by various artists, including Lea Michele and Chris Colfer on “Glee,” Rufus Wainwright and Kristin Chenoweth, and even Garland herself with her daughter, Liza Minnelli. Each rendition brings a unique interpretation to the timeless pairing of these two beloved songs.
As we look back on the legacy of this iconic duet, it’s clear that the magic of music knows no bounds. The transcendent power of songs like “Get Happy” and “Happy Days Are Here Again” continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of performers to keep the spirit of these timeless classics alive. She came to my apartment in New York, and she said to me, ‘Don’t let them do to you what they did to me.’ I didn’t know what she meant then. I was just getting started.”
In a 2005 interview with Diane Sawyer, Barbra Streisand shared her experience with Judy Garland, saying that Garland was great, wonderful, and loved her. Streisand was only 21 years old at the time and felt secure in her career. She observed Garland drinking white wine and noticed her hands shaking, which made her reflect on the fear that comes with aging in the entertainment industry.
Streisand received her first Emmy nomination for her outstanding performance in a variety or musical program.
In the second part of the filmic “Wicked” franchise, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande recreate a classic duet originally performed by Streisand and Garland. Their rendition of the song is expected to be widely circulated and may contribute to their success at the Oscars.
The audience who attended the taping at the Dolby Theatre managed to keep the climax of the performance under wraps until now, showing great discretion and respect for the significance of the moment.
Over the years, there have been many versions of the iconic duet, including performances by Patti LuPone and Audra McDonald. This revival of the medley may inspire the two talented singers to collaborate once again.
Overall, the legacy of the original performance by Streisand and Garland continues to influence contemporary artists, showcasing the timeless appeal of their talent and the enduring power of their music.
