Universal Pictures Philippines Launches “Awiting Wicked: For Good” Competition: Filipino Duos Vie for Stardom with Jon M. Chu, Cynthia Erivo, and Ariana Grande – The Pop Blog

In a vibrant celebration of musical talent and the enduring power of friendship, Universal Pictures Philippines has unveiled the “Awiting Wicked: For Good” competition, calling on Filipino duos to showcase their best renditions of the iconic duet “For Good” from the upcoming cinematic spectacle Wicked: For Good. Announced on September 11, 2025, this open-call contest invites musical besties across the Philippines to post their performances on TikTok from September 15 to October 5, with the chance to be handpicked by director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), and stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both Academy Award nominees for their roles in the first Wicked film. As anticipation builds for the November 19, 2025, Philippine theatrical release of Wicked: For Good—the epic conclusion to 2024’s record-breaking Wicked—this competition taps into the Philippines’ rich musical heritage, inviting singers from Manila’s bustling streets to the vibrant communities of Davao and Cebu to channel the emotional depth of Elphaba and Glinda’s transformative friendship. With audition stations set up in select SM Malls and a vocal guide video on UniversalPicsPH’s TikTok, this initiative promises to elevate Filipino talent onto a global stage, resonating with fans from Quezon City to international hubs like Singapore and Mumbai.

The “Awiting Wicked: For Good” competition is a love letter to the Philippines’ passion for music and theater, encouraging duos to capture the heartfelt essence of “For Good,” a Stephen Schwartz-penned ballad that encapsulates the bond between Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande) in the Wicked saga. Contestants are tasked with posting their duet performances on TikTok, using the official guidelines provided by UniversalPicsPH, which include a vocal guide video to aid preparation. From September 19 to October 5, aspiring singers can record their entries at dedicated audition stations in four SM Malls: SM Mall of Asia (Pasay City), SM Lanang (Davao City), SM City Iloilo, and SM Seaside Cebu. These locations, strategically chosen to cover Metro Manila, Mindanao, Visayas, and Cebu, offer professional setups to ensure high-quality submissions, amplifying the reach for talents in urban centers and regional hubs alike. On October 13, Chu, Erivo, and Grande will announce three winning pairs, who will likely receive recognition that could spark their musical careers, mirroring how Wicked has launched theater stars globally. The announcement video, shared via UniversalPicsPH’s TikTok (https://tinyurl.com/4h38mwma), has already ignited excitement, with fans buzzing about the chance to perform for such industry heavyweights.

Wicked: For Good is the highly anticipated sequel to 2024’s Wicked, which became the most successful Broadway film adaptation ever, grossing $750 million worldwide and earning 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, with wins for Costume Design and Production Design. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the second chapter continues the untold story of Oz’s witches, diving into the aftermath of Elphaba and Glinda’s estrangement as they navigate the consequences of their choices. The returning cast, led by Cynthia Erivo as the defiant, green-skinned Elphaba and Ariana Grande as the ambitious yet vulnerable Glinda, includes Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Ethan Slater as Boq, promising the same electrifying chemistry that captivated audiences in the first film. Produced by Marc Platt (La La Land) and David Stone, with executive producers Stephen Schwartz, David Nicksay, Jared LeBoff, Winnie Holzman, and Dana Fox, the film features a screenplay by Holzman and Fox, with a score by John Powell and Schwartz’s iconic music and lyrics, including “For Good.” Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel and the generation-defining Broadway musical, Wicked: For Good promises an “epic, electrifying, emotional conclusion,” blending spectacle with profound themes of friendship, identity, and transformation.

The Philippines, with its deep-rooted love for musical theater—evident in sold-out runs of Hamilton and Miss Saigon in Manila—makes an ideal stage for this competition. Filipino audiences have embraced Wicked since its 2014 Manila run at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the first film’s global success, earning $512 million in international markets, underscores its universal appeal. The “Awiting Wicked: For Good” initiative taps into this fervor, offering a platform for local talents to shine, much like how Filipino singers like Lea Salonga (Aladdin, Mulan) and Rachelle Ann Go (Hamilton) have risen to global prominence. SM Malls, a cultural cornerstone in the Philippines, enhance accessibility, with locations like SM Mall of Asia drawing millions annually and SM Seaside Cebu serving as a hub for Visayan performers. The competition’s TikTok format aligns with the platform’s dominance among Gen Z, where Filipino creators like Bella Poarch have amassed global followings, ensuring entries reach audiences far beyond Quezon City to international fans in London, Los Angeles, and Mumbai, where Bollywood’s musical tradition echoes Wicked’s emotional resonance.

Social media is alight with anticipation, with UniversalPicsPH’s posts generating buzz on X, where users like @theaterphfan praise the “chance for Pinoy talent to shine” and @moviesph hype the SM Mall audition stations. The vocal guide video, teased as a tool for practice, has sparked tutorials and covers from Filipino TikTokers, amplifying the hashtag #AwitingWickedForGood. For Indian audiences, where musical films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and stage adaptations thrive at venues like NCPA Mumbai, the competition’s emphasis on heartfelt duets mirrors local traditions of qawwali and Bollywood pairings, potentially inspiring similar contests. The Philippines’ proximity to other Asian markets like Singapore, where Wicked’s 2011 run sold out, suggests regional ripple effects, with fans eager to see if winners might perform at promotional events or even cameo in Wicked-related content.

Chu’s involvement, fresh off Crazy Rich Asians and Wicked’s critical acclaim (89% on Rotten Tomatoes), adds gravitas, while Erivo and Grande—both lauded for their vocal prowess and emotional depth—elevate the stakes. Erivo, a Tony winner for The Color Purple, and Grande, a pop superstar with Grammy nods, bring authenticity to the judging panel, ensuring winners reflect the song’s emotional weight. The competition not only promotes Wicked: For Good but also fosters cultural pride, spotlighting Filipino talent in a global context. As duos rehearse lines like “And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend,” they’re not just chasing fame but embodying the song’s message of connection. With Wicked: For Good set to dazzle Philippine theaters on November 19, 2025, “Awiting Wicked: For Good” is poised to make stars of local besties, proving that in Oz or Manila, friendship and music can rewrite any story.

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