Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande: A Friendship Built on Wicked Roles

Auditioning for a dream role, only to find out that someone else got the part. Now, picture feeling relieved when you learn who it is. That's what happened to Cynthia Erivo, the star of the upcoming Wicked movie. She was thrilled when Ariana Grande was cast as Glinda the Good Witch. Erivo, who plays Elphaba, said she's glad it wasn't the other actresses she auditioned with. Grande agreed, saying she's thankful for the casting choice. The two stars instantly hit it off after being cast in 2021. They spent their free time together, shopping, staying in, and even getting tattoos. Their friendship was so strong that Grande felt supported every step of the way. Erivo, too, found strength in their bond. She said Grande helped her believe in herself and her dreams. Wicked, a two-part feature film, is based on the popular Broadway musical. It's a sequel to The Wizard of Oz and is set to hit theaters in November 2024 and 2025. The cast includes big names like Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Peter Dinklage. Their journey wasn't always easy. Both stars faced health setbacks during production. But their friendship helped them power through. Grande credited Erivo with inspiring her to be more true to herself. Erivo, in turn, felt grateful for Grande's support. Their story is a reminder that sometimes, the right person for the job isn't just about talent, but also about who you're lucky enough to work with.