top of page
MISC-removebg-preview.png

Strength & Boundaries: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s Emotional Journey on the Wicked: For Good Tour

  • Writer: Luke Thompson
    Luke Thompson
  • 1 day ago
  • 2 min read
Film poster for Wicked: For Good. In the bottom left, "WICKED" is in large ombre green to pink with "FOR GOOD" in smaller gold font. The date "NOVEMBER 21" is in even smaller font in white. Behind the film title is Jonathan Bailey in an elaborate dark green military-style jacket and trousers with extensive gold detailing. In the centre of the poster is Ariana Grande in a blue cinderella-like dress, shining tiara and holding a silver sceptre. Next to her is Cynthia Erivo, in green skin tone, wearing a black witch costume with a witches hat holding a broom in her right hand. On the right-hand-side is Michelle Yeoh wearing a blue and black dress with silver detailing. Her left arm is raised as she holds white orb. Behind her is Jeff Goldblum in a suit, light green detailed waistcoat, green trousers, a black jacket with red roses on it and pointy green shoes. He holds a dark green top hat in his right hand. The background is inside a gold and green castle with a yellow brick road and pink roses in the bottom right corner of the poster.
Wicked: For Good plays in cinemas this Friday. Photo: Universal Pictures


Pay attention! Wicked: For Good comes out today (Friday 21 November)! Its sparkling stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are back again to grace our screens as the iconic Glinda and Elphaba. Both women have far exceeded becoming just film stars amid the renowned press-tour; they’ve emerged as deeply inspiring figures to their fans. Their raw vulnerability has resonated. As Ariana put it in a Variety interview, “[We’re] insufferable, yes. Horrible. It’s bad. The most annoying,” she joked, referring to how emotional they’ve been. 


Yet beneath the tears lies a powerful bond - a bond that has only proved to project two of the most intimate performances on screens today. In an interview with Georgie Tunny, Ariana wiped away Cynthia’s tears, affirming: “That’s the point.


“If kids can feel that … then that’s the point.”


Erivo, likewise, has spoken openly about how much their connection means to her: “She’s got a family member for life now,” she told Jimmy Fallon (22nd December 2023), reflecting on their time filming. 


That emotional transparency is exactly what has made the two vocalists so deeply relatable - fans talk about healing, friendship and the power of authenticity. But it also raises a call for compassion: as their public profiles rise, the media should honour their privacy. Speculation around Ariana’s personal relationships, in particular - such as swirling rumours about her and castmate Ethan Slater - has sometimes crossed into invasive territory. It’s vital to remember that their art and public friendship don’t necessitate full access to their private lives. 


A stark reminder of the social pressures they face came at the Singapore premiere. A man jumped a barricade and grabbed Ariana on the yellow carpet, prompting a visibly shaken Ariana to recoil as her co-star Cynthia intervened, physically shielding her until security arrived. The intruder, identified as Johnson Wen (“Pyjama Man”) pleaded guilty to causing public nuisance. Cynthia’s protective instinct - stepping between Ariana and danger - highlighted not just her loyalty, but the emotional toll such moments can demand. 


We must consider the intensity of this press tour - the travel, the constant emotional exposure and the risk of physical intrusion cannot be understated. These women carry immense ambition, compassion and empathy, but also vulnerability. Their resilience touches lives. And in return, fans and media alike should protect their stories. 


Comments

bottom of page