Experience the Excitement of the 2025 Golden Globes with Host Nikki Glaser as She Sets the Stage for an Unforgettable Night

At the start of the highly anticipated 2025 Golden Globes on Sunday, January 5, host Nikki Glaser made a memorable entrance by delivering a captivating monologue. With a unique blend of humor and insight, she engaged the audience, even drawing in Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the talented stars of the acclaimed film Wicked. Glaser cleverly remarked on Hollywood’s undeniable influence, humorously noting its struggles to sway public opinion during elections, creating an atmosphere of laughter and connection among the star-studded crowd at the Grand Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.

During her playful banter, Glaser humorously reached out to Ariana Grande for support, saying, “I’m scared. Ariana, hold my finger, thank you!” This amusing moment resonated with the audience, highlighting the camaraderie among the stars. Grande, who portrays Glinda in the blockbuster adaptation of Wicked, responded with a charming gesture, reaching out with her white-gloved hand. In a delightful twist, Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, offered her manicured finger to Grande, reinforcing the light-hearted spirit of the evening as Grande playfully mouthed to Erivo, “I’m holding hers.”

This playful exchange referenced a viral meme shared between Grande and Erivo, which gained traction in November before the film’s release. During a promotional event, a journalist’s unexpected question about the impact of the iconic song “Defying Gravity,” featured in both the film and the original Broadway production, caught Erivo off guard. In a moment of authentic support, Grande reached out to gently hold Erivo’s finger, showcasing their strong friendship and the bond they share as co-stars.

As the evening progressed, both Grande and Erivo received nominations for their outstanding performances, while Wicked itself competed for prestigious awards, including best motion picture in the musical or comedy category, highlighting its cinematic excellence and box office success. This acknowledgment not only celebrates their individual talents but also elevates the film’s significant cultural impact and popularity within the entertainment industry.

The ceremony also featured an array of distinguished presenters from the music world, including the legendary Elton John and the talented Brandi Carlile. Additionally, actors with musical backgrounds such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kate Hudson, and Awkwafina added to the star-studded lineup, showcasing the intersection of music and film. Their presence highlighted the event’s celebration of talent across multiple entertainment genres, making the Golden Globes a vibrant showcase of creativity and achievement.

The Golden Globes, a hallmark of cinematic celebration, are produced by Dick Clark Productions, a subsidiary of Penske Media Corporation. This corporation also oversees the esteemed Billboard brand, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of the film and music industries and their collective influence on contemporary culture.