Cynthia Erivo Responds to Rumor She and Ariana Grande Aren’t Friends

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Cynthia Erivo isn’t letting rumors about her friendship with Ariana Grande bring her down.

The Tony Award-winning actress, who became close friends with Ariana Grande while promoting the upcoming Wicked movie in November 2024, addressed rumors that their friendship was just a publicity stunt. She clarified that their choice to become close was genuine.

In a recent interview with Variety, Cynthia Erivo, 39, shared that she believes people questioned the authenticity of her friendships. She explained that this is likely because many don’t know her well, stating that she’s straightforward about who she considers a friend and isn’t afraid to distance herself from those she isn’t close to.

Even though their movie series concluded with Wicked: For Good in 2025, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande remain close. Erivo revealed they still text each other almost daily.

Erivo found it fascinating to see how people’s interpretations differed from the truth. She joked that it felt like many psychologists were at home analyzing her actions and motivations.

While many appearances by the movie’s stars were noticed, one moment especially showed how close the cast really was. At the Singapore premiere of the sequel, directed by Jon Chu, a fan rushed the red carpet towards Ariana Grande. Cynthia Erivo reacted quickly, stepping in to help when everyone else seemed frozen.

Erivo explained that she felt a strong, instinctive need to protect Ariana Grande during a frightening encounter. She said her first thought was to get the person away, and described how he was holding on tightly and wouldn’t release Grande. She kept pushing him until he let go.

Although some people thought Erivo reacted too strongly, she defends her actions, explaining she felt it was important to protect Grande. She believes everyone deserves their personal space, even around people they might recognize, stating, “A stranger is a stranger, and personal space belongs to the individual.”

Okay, seriously, Ariana and Cynthia Erivo? They’re so connected! I mean, they even got matching tattoos! It’s just… everything about their bond feels so genuine and special, and I’m completely obsessed with it. It’s amazing to see!

From the start, creating something authentic and having a supportive environment for each other was crucial,” Grande explained to NPR in 2025. “We knew this would be a huge undertaking, so a safe space was essential.

For more of the Ozian duo’s most fashionable moments together, read on…

As a huge fan, I was so excited to see Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande together on stage at the 2024 Oscars! They definitely hinted at what we can expect from the first Wicked movie, which is finally coming out in theaters on November 22nd. It’s been a long wait, and they really got me hyped!

Oh my goodness, did you SEE Cynthia Erivo?! As Elphaba, she absolutely SLAYED in this incredible leather Louis Vuitton – it was so fierce, like she was ready to walk the red carpet AND fight a battle all at once! And Ariana Grande… well, she was a DREAM. That powder-pink Giambattista Valli gown was pure old Hollywood magic! It had SO much fabric – a peplum, a stole, a bustle, a train – it was like she was floating! They both looked absolutely unreal, honestly. I’m obsessed!

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo arrived at CinemaCon in April with striking fashion choices. Grande wore a short, floral-inspired white and pink Oscar de la Renta dress, and Erivo showcased a green and silver Versace outfit complete with bold, satin thigh-high boots.

Not the colors of dear old Shiz, but she has an open invitation to play Quidditch for Slytherin.

The cast of Wicked won the award for best dressed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and were seen attending several events together.

The Games officially began with the Opening Ceremony on July 26th, where Cynthia Erivo wore a striking, sculptural green gown by Louis Vuitton, and Ariana Grande chose a delicate, vintage-inspired powder-pink dress by Thom Browne – a look that evoked the style of Audrey Hepburn.

I was absolutely captivated by Cynthia Erivo at the Academy Museum Gala! She looked incredible – truly stunning – in a gorgeous, glittering emerald gown by Naeem Khan. And she even sang ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow,’ which was just magical!

Another popular choice: Grande’s leather-trimmed polka dot ball gown courtesy of Balmain.

In October 2024, Cynthia Erivo paired a T-shirt and cropped jeans with vibrant green heels and a patterned Louis Vuitton coat at a screening of Wicked held at the DGA Theater in New York City.

Ariana Grande appeared prepared for her first day at witching school, wearing a stylish cream-colored vest and skirt designed by Atelier Versace.

Whether Ariana Grande arrived at the 2024 WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards in a bubble remains a mystery, but her stunning white Vivienne Westwood gown, covered in delicate embroidery, certainly looked like something from a fairytale.

Cynthia Erivo’s dress was a striking combination: a pinstriped gray base layered with beautifully decorated green silk, creating a look that felt both magical, like something from the Land of Oz, and powerfully businesslike, like Wall Street.

Ariana Grande fully embraced the character of Glinda at the Australian premiere of Wicked in November 2024, wearing a stunning pink ball gown designed by Vivienne Westwood.

At the premiere, Cynthia Erivo embraced the darker side of her character, Elphaba, with her fashion choices. She wore a black, strapless Louis Vuitton gown, a dramatic lion-head choker, and a sparkling green manicure.

The British actress shared with Vogue Australia that she adored her outfit, explaining it felt like a reflection of who she is. She added that it made her think of wings and the feeling of overcoming limitations, just before walking the red carpet—or, as she playfully put it, the ‘yellow brick road’.

Cynthia Erivo captivated everyone once again at the November 2024 Wicked promotional event in Australia. She wore a stunning emerald and black Marc Jacobs blouse with a beautifully embroidered black skirt.

She cleverly drew the eye back and forth between her charming hat and her incredibly high shoes, which made her seem much taller – adding at least six inches to her already petite height.

Grande was the gift in bow-trimmed Bode at the Australian photo call.

At the Los Angeles premiere of Wicked in November 2024, Cynthia Erivo’s outfit featured a vibrant green design by Louis Vuitton, while Ariana Grande wore a delicate gingham look created by Thom Browne.

Cynthia Erivo, who will play Elphaba, honored the character’s signature green by wearing Dior to a November 2024 screening of Wicked, hosted by Vogue at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. Ariana Grande, also starring in the film, embraced pink in a vibrant Louis Vuitton outfit, taking the color from soft pastel to a bold, hot pink.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo both attended the London premiere of Wicked in November 2024. Grande looked bright and cheerful in a flowing Ralph Lauren gown, while Erivo’s Schiaparelli outfit perfectly blended edgy punk style with classic princess elegance.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo embraced their magical sides to celebrate the NBC TV special, Wicked: One Wonderful Night, in November 2025.

When the Broadway star appeared at the 2025 Oscars, she wore an outfit that captured the strong and magical presence of her famous character, Elphaba.

While Cynthia’s Oscars outfit featured strong, striking lines and forms, Ariana’s look was inspired by Glinda the Good Witch, embracing a soft and glamorous style reminiscent of her iconic bubble entrance.

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2026-05-28 04:17