Wicked: The Six Major Songs and Deleted Scenes Cut From NBC’s Concert Special

The Untold Story of the Wicked Concert Special Taping

When NBC aired its star-studded concert special celebrating the enduring legacy of the Broadway phenomenon Wicked, viewers saw a polished, celebratory tribute. However, the five-hour marathon taping session at the Gershwin Theatre in New York City yielded far more material than the final broadcast allowed. For fans who attended the taping or those curious about the production decisions, the list of deleted performances reveals a host of major musical numbers and unexpected celebrity appearances that never made it to air.

This deep dive into the behind-the-scenes experience provides the definitive account of the songs, the stars, and the spontaneous moments that were left on the cutting room floor, offering a richer understanding of the special’s ambitious scope.

The Marathon Day: Five Hours Inside the Gershwin Theatre

The concert special taping was not a quick event; it was a grueling, yet exhilarating, five-hour production that ran from approximately 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The goal was to capture high-quality performances of the beloved score, utilizing the very stage where Wicked has played for decades. This extended schedule necessitated significant audience management and entertainment.

To keep the energy high during technical resets and costume changes, the production relied on a warm-up comedian who engaged the audience throughout the day. The cast members themselves also contributed significantly to the atmosphere, often signing autographs and taking photos with fans during breaks, transforming the long wait times into unique fan experiences.

Adding to the immersive experience, the audience was encouraged to wear green attire, and they were rewarded with free Wicked merchandise, fostering a sense of community and excitement that fueled the lengthy taping schedule.

The Chopping Block: Six Major Songs Deleted from the Broadcast

The most surprising revelation from the taping concerned the sheer volume of high-profile performances that were ultimately excluded from the final NBC special. Several key songs, including major character solos and ensemble pieces, were filmed but cut, likely due to time constraints and narrative flow decisions.

For die-hard fans of the musical, the absence of these specific numbers was notable, as they represent crucial moments in Elphaba and Glinda’s journey. The following six songs, featuring established Broadway and television stars, were taped but deleted:

Key Cut Performances and Performers

• “The Wizard and I” (Performed by Amber Riley): This is a pivotal early solo for Elphaba, expressing her hopes and dreams about meeting the Wizard. Riley, known for her powerful vocals on Glee and her Broadway experience, delivered a performance that was highly anticipated but ultimately unseen by the national audience.
• “I’m Not That Girl” (Performed by Gabrielle Ruiz): Another emotional Elphaba solo, this song marks a turning point in her relationship with Fiyero. Ruiz, recognized for her role in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, provided her interpretation of this poignant number.
• “A Sentimental Man” (Performed by Mario Cantone): This solo belongs to the Wizard of Oz and provides insight into his character. Cantone, a veteran comedian and actor, brought his unique flair to the role.
• “As Long as You’re Mine” (Performed by Jennifer Nettles): This duet is a crucial romantic moment between Elphaba and Fiyero. Nettles, a Grammy-winning country star who has also starred on Broadway, performed this number, adding significant celebrity weight to the segment.

Cut Ensemble Numbers

Two major ensemble pieces, which require significant staging and choreography, were also filmed and then cut:

• “One Short Day”: The vibrant, high-energy number that takes place when Elphaba and Glinda visit the Emerald City.
• “What Is This Feeling?”: The iconic, antagonistic duet between Elphaba and Glinda that establishes their initial rivalry at Shiz University, performed here as an ensemble piece.

The decision to remove these six numbers highlights the difficult editorial choices required to condense a five-hour taping into a standard television runtime while maintaining the special’s celebratory focus.

The Green Room Secrets: Ariana Grande’s Unexpected Duet

One of the most memorable moments of the long day involved superstar Ariana Grande—who would later be cast as Glinda in the highly anticipated Wicked film adaptation—and a very young fan.

During her performance of the iconic Glinda solo, “Popular,” Grande was joined onstage by a four-year-old boy named Remington. The spontaneous interaction charmed the live audience and provided a heartwarming interlude during the rigorous taping schedule.

In an interview conducted by the warm-up comedian between takes, young Remington revealed his age and confirmed that “Popular” was indeed his favorite song from the musical. This unscripted moment underscored the generational appeal of Wicked and provided a delightful, human element to the otherwise highly produced event.

The Importance of Multiple Takes

While the audience enjoyed the spontaneity, the technical demands of the special required precision. The ensemble numbers, in particular, demanded multiple takes to ensure perfect synchronization. The performers often had to repeat segments to achieve the flawless timing and camera angles necessary for a major network broadcast. This dedication to technical excellence is a hallmark of high-level television production, even for a concert format.

Key Takeaways from the Taping

For fans and industry observers, the behind-the-scenes details of the NBC Wicked concert special offer valuable insights into the production process and the depth of talent involved. The key points reveal a much broader scope than the final product suggested:

• Extensive Editing: Six major musical numbers, including four significant celebrity solos, were filmed but ultimately cut from the broadcast.
• Star Power: The deleted performances featured major names like Amber Riley, Gabrielle Ruiz, Mario Cantone, and Jennifer Nettles, showcasing the breadth of talent available for the tribute.
• Fan Interaction: The taping included unique, unscripted moments, such as Ariana Grande’s impromptu duet with four-year-old Remington during “Popular.”
• Production Length: The special required a five-hour commitment from the audience and performers to capture the necessary footage, highlighting the technical rigor of the production.

The Legacy of the Special in the Wicked Universe

Though the special aired years ago, its significance remains, particularly in light of the ongoing production and eventual release of the two-part Wicked cinematic adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The concert special served as a powerful reminder of the musical’s cultural dominance and the deep connection fans have to its score.

The deleted scenes, while disappointing for those who missed them, emphasize the wealth of material available and the difficulty of curating a definitive tribute. They offer a rare glimpse into the full artistic vision of the special, confirming that the celebration of Oz’s untold story was even grander than what the television audience ultimately saw.