As the highly anticipated film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Wicked approaches its November release, the two leading ladies, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, have been inseparable during the worldwide promotional tour. The duo have developed an undeniable bond that has blossomed into a true sisterhood, and now Erivo is revealing the heartwarming story behind their close relationship.
“I’ve gained a sister,” Erivo reveals. “At this point, we speak almost every day. We both experienced an immediate sense of connection. The Harriet actress explains that the first time she and Grande sang together, it was a very “intimate thing.” Erivo describes their onstage dynamic, saying, “There’s a really beautiful dance; I need to follow you, and you have to follow me. It was one of the most gratifying things to know that there was someone who was that open and available, and that meant I could be as well.
According to Cynthia, Grande and she needed to have some tough conversations in order to build their “beautiful relationship offscreen.” She added, “We had really beautiful conversations, some that were not easy, but that’s what makes relationships.” The 37-year-old shares the key to a successful friendship, emphasizing that having “hard conversations” and being “vulnerable” are what bring people closer.
While the duo’s musical abilities are sure to impress audiences once Wicked hits the big screen, Erivo reveals there’s one more song she wishes to sing with her soul sister. “I feel like I want to find a Whitney [Houston] number and split it in two. She muses, “‘Run to You’ could be really beautiful together.”
Meanwhile, Ariana Grande has been making headlines for her own Wicked-related news. Earlier this week, the pop superstar gently corrected the Wicked movie’s official social media accounts on the lyrics to the iconic song “Popular.”
The video, which gives a glimpse of Grande’s take on the showstopping number, featured lyrics that read, “I’ll teach you the proper poise when you talk to boys.” However, Grande quickly identified the error, commenting, “It’s a ploy!” I love you, @wickedmovie.”
It turns out the confusion over these lyrics is more widespread than just the movie’s social media team. The Genius lyric database and even the original Broadway cast recording feature the incorrect “proper poise” version. However, songwriter Stephen Schwartz personally approves a lyric sheet, confirming that the correct lyrics are indeed “ploys.”
Grande’s eagle-eyed attention to detail is no surprise, given her long-standing love for the Wicked franchise. The pop star has been vocal about her admiration for the original Glinda, Kristin Chenoweth, who she met backstage as a 10-year-old fan. Chenoweth has been incredibly supportive of Grande’s casting, even saying, “She was just like, ‘I was hoping this would happen. I love you, and I trust you with it, baby girl.'”
As excitement builds for the film’s release, Grande and Erivo’s undeniable chemistry and sisterly bond have only added to the anticipation. The two stars recently teamed up with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show to reenact a beloved meme from The Wizard of Oz, further delighting fans with their comedic flair.
Wicked, which also famously starred Idina Menzel, premiered on Broadway in 2003 and went on to earn 10 Tony Award nominations, winning three. The Wizard of Oz prequel musical traces the journey of Elphaba, who will become the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch. Erivo and Grande are leading the charge in the highly anticipated film adaptation, set to captivate audiences worldwide when it hits theaters on November 22.