Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Do Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland Proud With ‘Happy’ Duet on ‘Wicked’ TV Special: The History Behind the Mellifluous Mashup

Wednesday's NBC special, "Wicked: One Wonderful Night," primarily showcased Stephen Schwartz's compositions for the two "Wicked" movies. Yet the evening's climax offered a delightful detour when its stars, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, presented a mashup of the classic tunes "Get Happy" and "Happy Days Are Here Again." This pairing was first immortalized 62 years ago as a duet by Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland. While some younger audience members may have been puzzled, musical theater enthusiasts immediately recognized the iconic medley.

The medley's origin traces back to a legendary 1963 installment of "The Judy Garland Show," a moment made more poignant by the two singers' contrasting career phases. Judy Garland, then 41 and viewed by many as past her prime, personally invited the newcomer Streisand onto her program. Streisand, just 21, had yet to star in "Funny Girl" on Broadway and had only recently released her debut album. The duet was reportedly Garland's own concept, intended to energize the special by combining her signature Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler number, "Get Happy," with Streisand's take on the Milton Ager and Jack Yellen song "Happy Days Are Here Again." Norman Jewison, who would later direct acclaimed films like "In the Heat of the Night," helmed this historic television episode.

Though not a mainstream hit in 2025, this mashup remains a revered piece among musical theater performers seeking a powerful duet. Erivo was already familiar with the number, having performed it with Ben Platt during his 2024 London concerts. The pairing also reached a younger generation via a 2011 "Glee" episode, where Lea Michele and Chris Colfer sang it, with Michele's costume deliberately referencing Streisand's 1963 look. As one Broadway historian observed, "This duet is a rite of passage. It's a test of vocal power and interpretive skill, connecting performers directly to a pivotal moment in entertainment history."

The 1963 performance so electrified CBS executives that they moved the airdate forward, broadcasting it just two days after its October 6th recording. Decades later, Streisand recalled Garland's poignant counsel, warning her, "Don't let them do to you what they did to me." The appearance earned Streisand her first Emmy nomination. The duet's lasting emotional resonance was later captured by New York Times critic Ben Brantley, who wrote in 2016 that both singers' voices "nonetheless hinted at a small, solitary figure within," suggesting the happiness they sang of was hard-won.

Few modern artists would attempt to recreate a moment so deeply associated with two 20th-century vocal legends. However, Erivo and Grande—both central to the upcoming second and final "Wicked" film—possess the vocal skill and public admiration to take on the challenge. A successful rendition could subtly boost their Oscar prospects if clips circulate widely, as expected. Credit is also due to the live audience at the September 24th Dolby Theatre taping, who impressively kept the finale's surprise off social media until the broadcast. Over the years, other notable artists have performed the medley, including Rufus Wainwright with Kristin Chenoweth, Billy Porter with Cyndi Lauper, and, on multiple occasions, Audra McDonald with Patti LuPone. Perhaps this high-profile revival will inspire that particular pair to share the stage once more.