Ariana Grande Steps In to Help Cynthia Erivo During ‘Wicked: For Good’ Premiere After She Loses Her Voice
Ariana Grande proved that friendship goes far beyond the stage as she supported her co-star Cynthia Erivo during the Wicked: For Good premiere in New York City on Monday, November 17. When Erivo lost her voice just hours before the event, Grande stepped up to handle interviews on her behalf — and fans couldn’t get enough of their heartwarming dynamic on the red carpet.
Ariana Becomes Cynthia’s Voice on the Carpet
Ahead of the highly anticipated premiere, press outlets were informed that the Wicked duo would not be doing interviews due to Erivo’s strained voice. However, the stars made a surprise appearance on the E! News livestream, where Grande took the mic while Erivo smiled beside her.
“I’m not letting her speak,” Grande joked affectionately. “She has to rest her voice!”
The pair, who play Glinda and Elphaba in the two-part Wicked film adaptation, radiated warmth and camaraderie as they spoke with host Justin Sylvester. Grande made sure to give Erivo’s projects a special shout-out — including her upcoming solo album and her book Simply More.
“Am I doing okay?” Grande asked playfully, turning to Erivo for approval. The Harriet star nodded, laughing silently as her co-star continued to speak on her behalf.
A Grammy Nod and Shared Gratitude
Grande also touched on the pair’s Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their soaring 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,” Grande said. “We just feel overwhelming gratitude.”
The Yes, And? singer added that both stars were eager for fans to finally see the full emotional arc of their beloved characters when Wicked: For Good hits theaters.
“We’re so excited for everyone to see the full story — the journey of these two women we love so much and have spent years with,” she said.
At one point, Erivo leaned over to whisper something to Grande. When Grande couldn’t quite hear her, Erivo softly took the microphone for a brief moment, speaking in a raspy but heartfelt tone.
“It’s really beautiful that we’re finishing here, where it started,” she said, referencing New York City’s Gershwin Theatre, home to the original Wicked Broadway musical since 2003.
A Demanding Press Tour and Shared Resilience
The New York premiere marked one of the final stops on an intense global press tour that has taken its toll on the stars. Earlier that day, news broke that a serial intruder who had harassed Grande at the Singapore premiere was sentenced to nine days in jail for public nuisance.
Grande and Erivo did not comment on the incident, but the Thank U, Next singer acknowledged the exhaustion that comes with back-to-back travel and performances.
“There’s only so much the human body can endure,” Grande said with a smile. “But she’s okay — she’s throat-coating!”
Despite Erivo’s temporary loss of voice, both stars appeared in good spirits, showcasing their bond and dedication to the film that has defined the last several years of their lives.
The Legacy of ‘Wicked: For Good’
Wicked: For Good continues the beloved story inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel and the long-running Broadway hit, exploring the origins and friendship of Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the two-part cinematic event brings together an all-star cast, lush visuals, and the emotional power of the story’s timeless music.
The film’s New York premiere, held where Wicked first became a cultural phenomenon, felt like a full-circle moment for the cast and fans alike.
Wicked: For Good opens in theaters on Friday, November 21.
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