You can't separate music from the movies, especially in an Oscar year like this one with two musicals nominated for Best Picture (Wicked and Emilia Pérez). As usual, the Motion Picture Academy incorporated music into Sunday's Oscars telecast, though not always in the usual way.

Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both Oscar nominees for their roles, performed the opening number. Grande started things off, appropriately enough, with "Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz. Erivo followed that with a rendition of "Home." Fans might have revolted had they not dueted during their time on stage together, so they closed the medley with "Defying Gravity"; Grande even stepped aside to let Erivo belt those final notes in the spotlight. They received a standing ovation.

Other artists included on Sunday night were K-pop star Lisa from Blackpink, Grammy winner Doja Cat, and Grammy nominee Raye, who contributed to a...