Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo walked hand in hand in a show of solidarity at the ‘Wicked: For Good’ premiere held in New York City. The two leading ladies graced the red carpet alongside director Jon M. Chu and fellow cast members Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Ethan Slater. Despite their presence at the premiere, both actresses decided to forego most of the press interviews scheduled for the event. This move came following confirmation from Universal Pictures that Cynthia Erivo had unfortunately lost her voice, leading to the decision to limit their public engagements.
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Grande, 32, and Erivo, 38, stood together for photos, radiating strength and unity as they navigated the challenges of the evening. The studio statement acknowledged Erivo’s health condition, emphasizing the importance of her vocal rest. During a livestream hosted by Justin Sylvester, Grande expressed her support for her co-star, highlighting the significance of the event being held in New York City where the journey of ‘Wicked’ began. Erivo, albeit hoarse, echoed Grande’s sentiments, remarking on the beauty of culminating their experience in the city where it all started.
Grande took on the role of being Erivo’s spokesperson for the evening, praising her accomplishments including a Grammy-nominated solo album and a forthcoming book titled ‘Simply More’. She playfully checked in on Erivo’s well-being, prompting a lighthearted exchange between the two on the livestream. The actress duo acknowledged the challenges faced by Erivo’s voice, with Grande expressing gratitude for the understanding of their fans, recognizing the limitations of the human body under such demanding circumstances.
The journey towards the premiere of ‘Wicked: For Good’ has not been without its obstacles, as Grande faced safety issues that prevented her from attending the Brazilian premiere earlier this month. Moreover, an unsettling incident occurred during the Singapore premiere, where a man accosted Grande on the red carpet, resulting in his subsequent jail sentence. Despite such challenges, Erivo and Grande have remained steadfast in their bond, supporting each other through the demanding press tours and promotional events leading up to the release of the sequel.
As the two actresses embody the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda in the ‘Wicked’ movie adaptations, their rapport off-screen has captivated fans and industry insiders alike. Their dedication to their characters and the project has garnered praise, with director Jon M. Chu commending their professionalism and camaraderie. The portrayal of Elphaba and Glinda’s intertwined fates in the cinematic continuation promises a captivating narrative that delves deeper into the beloved story’s lore.
The premiere of ‘Wicked: For Good’ serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration and resilience within the entertainment industry. Grande and Erivo’s unwavering support for each other amidst challenges underscores the power of unity and mutual respect. As the buzz surrounding the movie builds, fans eagerly anticipate the cinematic experience that awaits them when ‘Wicked: For Good’ hits theatres on Friday, Nov. 21. Stay tuned for more exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes insights into the highly-anticipated sequel.