What do we Actually Know about Ariana Grande and Cythina Erivo's Relationship?

"Wicked” fans from all over the world lined up outside movie theaters for the release of “Wicked: For Good” on November 21. According to "Freedom for all Americans," “Wicked” is a popular Broadway show that has been transformed into a movie, telling the untold story of “The Wizard of Oz.” The plot follows the friendship of Glinda (later the Good Witch) and Elphaba (the future Wicked Witch of the West) as they “dance through life” together.

"USA Today" reported that following the first “Wicked” movie in November 2024, the duo has generated considerable buzz. The star-studded cast, featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, embarked on a series of press tours and public viewings to build excitement for the upcoming re- lease.

Grande is a prominent singer, songwriter and actress who first gained recognition on Nickelodeon’s “Victorious” as Cat Valentine. Erivo is similarly an actress and singer known for her role in the movie “Harriet” (“USA Today”).

For the past two years, Grande and Erivo have grown close while filming both “Wicked” movies. While they may just be good friends, some fans have speculated that their relationship is more than that. Fans tend to quote three main details that spark further questions about their relationship (“Freedom for all Americans”).

The first crucial moment to understanding the perception of Erivo and Grande’s relationship is the interview with Tracy Gilchrist from “Out Magazine.” While discussing “holding space” for the lyrics of “Defying Gravity” from the first “Wicked” movie, Grande grabs Erivo’s finger and holds it for the remainder of the interview. Some fans find the amount of physical touch between the co-stars to be notable.

Finally, whenever the two are together publicly, they are very protective of each other and tend to be emotional. They are often seen crying during interviews and holding on to each other for support, according to “Vulture.” Additionally, Erivo has body-blocked aggressive fans from Grande and stepped in when interviewers have made Grande uncomfortable, according to “Today.”

The co-stars have responded to the rumors on “The Graham Norton Show” by saying they are touchy because they need a way to channel the excess energy “Wicked” brings them and by claiming that their matching tattoos and protectiveness show their deep friendship.

Emme Poole ’26 said that she enjoys the “hilarious” memes of Grande and Erivo’s friendship. She described their relationship as “peculiar.”

Ella Henderson ’26, a “huge ‘Wicked’ fan,” said she was “so incredibly impressed by Cynthia [Erivo] and Ariana [Grande]’s performance.” She stated, “The ‘Wicked’ story is one that so many people feel a great attachment to, and I think what made these films so great is that Cynthia and Ariana already felt deeply connected to the story before even being brought onto the project.”

She continued, “Vocally, they have an incredible blend, but they also bring out something emotionally in each other that really translates to everyone watching the film.” Henderson noted that “there’s this deep sense of trust and understanding between the two of them, which I think is what makes the films so heartfelt and emotional.” Henderson “couldn’t recommend the films more!"