Ariana Grande Steps In for Voiceless Cynthia Erivo at Wicked: For Good Premiere

Ariana Grande became Cynthia Erivo’s voice at the Wicked: For Good premiere. Erivo lost her voice completely before the November 17 event in New York City. Grande fielded questions for her costar during red carpet appearances.

The gesture demonstrated their strong off-screen friendship. It also highlighted the physical demands of their extensive press tour. Both stars are currently promoting the final Wicked film installment.

Premiere Night Adaptation

Erivo arrived at the New York premiere unable to speak. The demanding promotional schedule had strained her vocal cords. Event organizers initially planned to cancel her interviews entirely.

Grande immediately stepped in to support her costar. During an E! News livestream, she held the microphone for both of them. “I’m not letting her speak,” Grande told host Justin Sylvester firmly. “She has to rest her voice!”

The 31-year-old singer handled questions with warmth and professionalism. She discussed their shared Grammy nomination for “Defying Gravity.” She also promoted Erivo’s upcoming solo projects between answers.

Handling the Unexpected

Grande explained the situation to fans watching the stream. “She’s throat-coating and we’re nourishing the throat,” she shared. “We’re going to make it work, and we’re really sorry that this is how it is.”

She acknowledged the physical toll of their global promotion. “There’s only so much the human body can do,” Grande stated. She thanked supporters for their understanding and patience.

Erivo managed one brief statement despite her condition. She spoke softly about filming in New York City, where Wicked began on Broadway in 2003. “It’s really beautiful that we’re finishing here, where it started,” she rasped.

A Tested Partnership

This wasn’t the first time they’ve supported each other publicly. Earlier this month, Erivo physically protected Grande from an overzealous fan in Singapore. That incident resulted in the fan receiving a 9-day jail sentence.

Following that event, Erivo spoke about their developing bond. “We have come through some stuff in our lives,” the 38-year-old actress told reporters. She credited the film experience with helping both women grow as artists and people.

Erivo emphasized the importance of their representation in the film. “There are other people who have seen themselves in this movie,” she explained. “That, for me, is the pinnacle of what I could ever wish for.”

Looking Forward

Wicked: For Good concludes the story of Elphaba and Glinda. The film features returning cast members Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, and Michelle Yeoh. Director Jon M. Chu completes his vision with this final installment.

The cast spent nearly five years working together on both films. Both leads have described the experience as transformative. Erivo recently reflected that the experience “might be stuck with us for quite some time.”

Wicked: For Good releases in theaters on November 21, 2025. Fans can expect complete character arcs and story resolution. Grande and Erivo have promised “the full story” of their beloved characters.

The premiere demonstrated true costar solidarity under pressure. Ariana Grande supporting Cynthia Erivo showed their friendship transcends professional requirements. This Wicked premiere moment will likely become part of the film’s promotional legend.

Thought you’d like to know

What happened to Cynthia Erivo’s voice?

Erivo lost her voice due to vocal strain from the demanding press tour. She attended the premiere but couldn’t speak above a raspy whisper. Doctors recommended complete vocal rest following the event.

How did Ariana Grande help during the premiere?

Grande handled all interview questions for both actresses during red carpet appearances. She explained Erivo’s condition to fans and reporters. The gesture demonstrated their strong off-screen relationship.

When does Wicked: For Good release?

The final film installment arrives in theaters on November 21, 2025. It concludes the story begun in the first Wicked movie. Fans can expect complete character resolutions and new musical numbers.

Are Grande and Erivo nominated for any awards?

Both stars received a Grammy nomination for “Defying Gravity.” The nomination recognizes their recording from the first Wicked film. The award ceremony occurs early next year.

How long have they worked on the Wicked films?

The cast spent nearly five years filming both installments back-to-back. Production involved extensive location shooting and complex musical sequences. Both actresses have called the experience transformative.

Did Erivo speak at all during the premiere?

She managed one brief statement about filming in New York City. Her voice was noticeably hoarse and strained. Grande quickly resumed speaking duties afterward.