Ariana Grande stepped in to support her co-star, Cynthia Erivo, during the premiere of Wicked: For Good in New York City on November 17, 2023. Hours before the event, Erivo lost her voice, prompting Grande to take over interview duties on her behalf. The duo’s heartwarming display on the red carpet resonated with fans, showcasing their close friendship that extends beyond their roles in the film.
Ariana Becomes Erivo’s Voice
Leading up to the highly anticipated premiere, reporters were informed that the Wicked stars would not be conducting interviews due to Erivo’s vocal strain. In a surprising turn, both actresses appeared on the E! News livestream, where Grande humorously proclaimed, “I’m not letting her speak. She has to rest her voice!” The two, who portray Glinda and Elphaba in the film adaptation, radiated warmth and camaraderie throughout their exchange with host Justin Sylvester. Grande took the opportunity to highlight Erivo’s other projects, including her upcoming solo album and her book, Simply More.
“Am I doing okay?” Grande playfully asked, glancing at Erivo for approval. The Harriet star nodded, expressing her appreciation with silent laughter as Grande continued to advocate for her co-star.
Grammy Nomination and Shared Excitement
During the livestream, Grande also addressed the duo’s recent Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their rendition of “Defying Gravity.” “It’s been such an incredible ride and an incredible experience to create with people we love so much and respect so much creatively,” she stated. Grande expressed overwhelming gratitude for the opportunity to bring their characters to life, emphasizing their eagerness for fans to experience the emotional journey of Glinda and Elphaba.
Erivo managed to lean in and briefly whisper to Grande, taking the microphone for a moment to share a heartfelt reflection. “It’s really beautiful that we’re finishing here, where it started,” she noted, referring to the Gershwin Theatre, the original home of the Wicked Broadway musical since 2003.
Press Tour Challenges and Resilience
The New York premiere capped off a demanding global press tour, which had taken its toll on both stars. Earlier that day, it was reported that a man who had harassed Grande at the Singapore premiere received a nine-day jail sentence for public nuisance. While neither Grande nor Erivo commented on the incident, Grande acknowledged the physical demands of their busy schedules. “There’s only so much the human body can endure,” she said with a smile. “But she’s okay — she’s throat-coating!”
Despite Erivo’s temporary voice loss, both actresses maintained a positive attitude, reinforcing their bond and commitment to the film that has significantly shaped their careers in recent years.
The Legacy of ‘Wicked: For Good’
Wicked: For Good continues the beloved narrative inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel and the long-running Broadway production. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the two-part cinematic event explores the origins and friendship of Glinda, the Good Witch, and Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West. The film features an all-star cast, spectacular visuals, and the emotional depth of the story’s timeless music.
The New York premiere, taking place where Wicked first became a cultural phenomenon, provided a full-circle moment for both the cast and the audience. Wicked: For Good is set to hit theaters on November 21, 2023, allowing fans to finally witness the culmination of this iconic tale.
