The two-hour musical special features Bailey’s costars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Bowen Yang, and more.

Why Jonathan Bailey is not on stage for *Wicked: One Wonderful Night *

The two-hour musical special features Bailey's costars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Bowen Yang, and more.

By Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman is a news writer for with previous work in MUBI Notebook, Slant, and the LA Review of Books.

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November 6, 2025 7:00 p.m. ET

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Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero in 'Wicked: For Good'. Credit:

Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

NBC is treating *Wicked *fans who just can't wait for the upcoming premiere of *Wicked: For Good *to a most festivating celebration of all things Ozian. *Wicked: One Wonderful Night *will reunite the major cast of the 2024 blockbuster smash and its upcoming sequel for a night of singing, dancing, sneak peeks and previews. But one shining star of the musical duology won't be joining in the merriment - at least on stage.

Jonathan Bailey was not able to join his costars on stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sept. 24 for the taping of the TV special due to prior engagements — including being in production on one project and a press photoshoot, both in London — that put his schedule in conflict.

*Wicked *stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, and Ethan Slater will all appear on stage in the production which airs tonight. A sneak peek released earlier this week showed Yang and Slater filling Bailey's shoes to perform "Dancing Through Life."**

But never fear, * *has learned that Bailey did film at least one segment for *One Wonderful Night *so Prince Fiyero's presence will be felt on the special.

It has been a busy autumn for the English actor, who is looking forward not just to *Wicked: For Good*, but the upcoming fourth season of Shonda Rhimes' regency drama *Bridgerton*. And, oh yeah, he was just crowed PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive 2025.

Jonathan Bailey is PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive 2025.

Jason Hetherington

"It's a huge honor. Obviously I'm incredibly flattered. And it's completely absurd," Bailey shared after accepting the honor, taking over from last year's winner, John Krasinski.

In a video featuring his *Wicked *costars reacting to his new title, Goldblum declared Bailey "the sexiest man not only on this planet, but in the solar system, in the universe, and any multiverse."**

Jonathan Bailey's sexiest roles, from 'Bridgerton' to 'Wicked: For Good'

Here's your first look at Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the 'Wicked: For Good' TV special (exclusive)

*Wicked: One Wonderful Night *will feature Grande and Erivo, who topline both *Wicked *and its thrillifying conclusion as Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. The broomstick-scooting besties will perform some of the banner songs from both films, and fans will get a chance to hear some of their new songs — "No Place Like Home" and "The Girl in the Bubble" — specially crafted for *Wicked: For Good *by original musical composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz.

Ariana Grande on 'Wicked: One Wonderful Night'.

Griffin Nagel/NBC

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Beyond live performances accompanied by a 37-piece live orchestra led by Tony-winning musical director Stephen Oremus, the two-hour special will feature newly modified dances from the films' choreographer, Christopher Scott.

Adding to the supersized affair are behind-the-scenes clips, new interviews with the *Wicked *cast and crew, appearances by Schwartz and director Jon M. Chu, cameos by surprise guests, and a world-premiere clip from *Wicked: For Good*.

*Wicked: One Wonderful Night *premieres on NBC on Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, and streams the next day on Peacock. *Wicked: For Good *premieres in theaters on Nov. 21.**

Original Article on Source

Source: “EW TV”