As the Wicked movie countdown continues, fans got a rare look into the off-screen connection between stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, and it wasn’t about emerald gowns, flying monkeys, or vocal runs. It was raw, emotional, and deeply human.
In a new interview on Dinner With Sally, the Glinda and Elphaba actresses paused the promo chatter and found themselves in a tearful, intimate moment. The conversation took a tender turn when Erivo turned to Grande and said, “I hope you’ll be there for the rest of my life.” Without missing a beat, Grande, already visibly emotional, replied, “I hope you’ll let my friendship be one of the things that you’re learning how to let in.”
Grande immediately began to cry, wiping away tears as the table fell silent. It was less of a press moment and more of a real friendship moment, the kind that you don’t often see between celebrities. It was candid, unscripted, and deeply felt.
A Friendship Beyond Oz
Their bond has been publicly sweet, matching tattoos, cozy walks through London, and songwriting sessions, but this exchange felt different. It wasn’t about shared experiences, but about choosing each other intentionally.
Erivo gently acknowledged the emotional safety they offer each other, and Grande’s response hinted at something more: gratitude for being accepted, and for being able to give love back.
Grande, known for tearful award speeches and heartfelt lyrics, has rarely been this openly vulnerable in an interview. Her voice cracked as she tried to respond, and she leaned toward Erivo, not as Glinda to Elphaba, but as Ariana to Cynthia.
From Co-Stars to Chosen Family
Over the past year, both actors have spoken about navigating pressure, healing, and growth while filming Wicked. But in this moment, there was no talk of the green paint or bubble dresses. Instead, it was about presence, someone saying, I want you in my life, not just in my scenes.
Their shared journey on set seems to have built not only trust but a sense of chosen family. And while Wicked fans eagerly wait to see them soar on-screen, it’s these behind-the-scenes moments that remind viewers why their chemistry works so well: it comes from something real.
Not Just Wicked, Something Wonderful
What made this moment resonate is how naturally it unfolded. No dramatic build-up, no scripted sentiment, just two women offering emotional honesty in the middle of an interview.
And in classic Grande fashion, she didn’t hide it; she let the tears come, smiled through them, and held onto the moment. Somewhere between Oz and real life, they’ve built a friendship that feels like home. Ariana even had murmured a cutesy comment at the end, “call me every manicure.”
As Erivo said, “I hope you’ll be there for the rest of my life.”
It seems Ariana already is.
