Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s Emotional ‘Wicked’ Journey
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the stars of the highly anticipated Wicked movie, have shared an intimate look at their journey together—from the pressures of iconic roles to a startling red carpet incident that tested their resilience. In an exclusive interview, the duo revealed how their friendship and determination have carried them through.
The Red Carpet Scare That Brought Them Closer
During the Wicked premiere, a sudden technical mishap—a falling light fixture—caused a brief panic on the red carpet. Though no one was hurt, the moment left a lasting impact.
“We’ve come through some s—,” Erivo admitted, reflecting on the unexpected challenge. “It reminded us how quickly things can shift, but also how strong we are together.” Grande added, “Every obstacle has made us closer. We lean on each other.”
Stepping into Iconic Roles: Elphaba & Glinda
Playing Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande) in Wicked comes with sky-high expectations. The musical, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, has a passionate fanbase, and both stars felt the weight of following Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth’s legendary performances.
“Singing ‘Defying Gravity’ for millions isn’t the same as belting it in your shower,” Erivo joked. “But that pressure fuels me.” Grande, a lifelong Wicked fan, shared her approach: “Glinda is deceptively complex. I wanted to honor her spirit while adding my own touch.”
A Real-Life Friendship Mirroring ‘Wicked’
Their off-screen bond mirrors the heart of Wicked—a story of unlikely friendship. From casting to filming, their connection deepened.
“Cynthia felt like family from day one,” Grande said. “We’d talk for hours about our characters and life.” Erivo echoed, “Ariana’s generosity made every challenge easier. We were in this together.”
Facing Doubters and Rising Stronger
Both stars faced skepticism—Grande for her pop-star roots, Erivo for meeting Elphaba’s vocal demands on screen.
“The criticism stung,” Grande admitted. “But Cynthia reminded me we belong here.” Erivo, ever resilient, said, “Doubt just makes me work harder. Proving people wrong is part of the joy.”
What’s Next for the ‘Wicked’ Duo?
With the film’s release approaching, Erivo and Grande hope audiences feel the love they poured into it.
“It’s about embracing who you are,” Grande said. Erivo added, “And maybe inspiring others to defy their own gravity.” As for the red carpet scare? “Just another Oz-worthy adventure,” Erivo laughed.
One thing’s clear: with these two leading Wicked, magic is guaranteed.
Stay tuned for more updates on Wicked and your favorite stars!