Ariana Grande has opened up about an emotional moment she experienced with her “Wicked” co-star Cynthia Erivo during their first meeting, revealing that both stars cried during this special encounter. Grande discussed this heartfelt experience on the podcast “WTF With Marc Maron,” released earlier this week. In the highly anticipated film, set to premiere in 2024, Grande stars as Glinda while Erivo dazzles as Elphaba.
“The first time we met, we sang together at Jon’s house, and Stephen Schwartz accompanied us on the piano,” Grande recounted, referencing director Jon M. Chu and the legendary composer and lyricist. “We sang ‘For Good,’ and it was really emotional. It felt really special, and we felt safe and good,” she added, highlighting the bond they shared during that moment.
When Maron inquired whether she was tearful, Grande candidly admitted, “I did, I cried my eyes out. Of course, I did.” She also suggested that Erivo shared her sentiment, saying, “I think we were both crying, for this whole thing.” This mutual understanding and deep emotional connection were evident from the start.
According to Grande, her friendship with Erivo began quickly during their filming process. “The thing that was most important that we did was call each other up right away and say like, ‘Hey, this is big and heavy and is going to require so much of us. This is not going to work if we don’t have each other’s backs every second of this,'” she explained. Their early communication set the tone for a supportive partnership throughout the production.
Grande emphasized that establishing a strong foundation of trust was crucial. “I want you to know there’s nothing that you can’t talk to me about. There’s nothing that you need to avoid; there’s nothing that we can’t work through together,” she recalled saying to Erivo. This commitment to open dialogue and safety ensured that their collaboration would thrive.
The “Thank U, Next” singer also noted a surprising detail about their auditions: Grande and Erivo did not audition together. “The funny thing is, we didn’t chemistry read together at any point,” she reflected. Instead, Grande screen-tested with two different actresses who were not Erivo, while the talented singer and actress tested with other potential Glindas.
When speaking about Jon M. Chu, Grande stated, “He was, like, ‘I know two things: I know that she’s Elphaba, and I know that she’s Glinda, so we’re going to have to figure the rest out.'” Grande’s insight into the casting process further illustrates the unique challenges and decisions involved in bringing “Wicked” to life on the big screen.
“Wicked” is set to be released on November 22, 2024, and it has already stirred excitement among fans. The film is expected to break records, becoming the biggest global and domestic opening for a movie based on a Broadway show, as well as the biggest global opening for a non-sequel film this upcoming year. As anticipation builds, Ariana Grande’s emotional moment with Cynthia Erivo adds depth to the narrative surrounding this iconic tale.
