Ariana Grande Makes Rare Comment About Relationship With 'Wicked' Co-Star Cynthia Erivo: 'It Was Really Meant To Be'

The cinematic journey of Wicked has been as much about the bond between its leading ladies as it has been about the land of Oz. While rumours of tension and health concerns have swirled around the production for months, Ariana Grande has finally broken her silence regarding her connection with Cynthia Erivo.

There are various speculations about the co-stars' relationship, with some fearing their friendship was not as solid following the release of the Wicked sequel. Grande, however, assured their supporters that what they built was enough to keep their bond intact even after their film wrapped.

Grande: 'It's What We Committed To Do'

In a recent interview with Vogue Japan, Grande shared some details about her relationship with Erivo. The two struck a friendship after playing the main protagonists in Jon M. Chu's Wicked. They neither auditioned together nor did a chemistry test, but the director knew they were the perfect cast for the musical film.

Erivo said she wanted to 'build a sisterhood' with Grande. According to the 'We Can't Be Friends' hitmaker, that was exactly what they did.

'It's what we committed to do, it's what we knew it had to be, and I think we did a beautiful job of that,' Grande shared.

The Grammy winner admitted that they were 'very different as people.' However, it worked because 'we took the time to learn each other, take care of each other through this process.'

'I think it was really meant to be,' she added.

Erivo Shielded Grande From a Fan Ambush

The depth of their loyalty was best demonstrated during a high-pressure moment on the Wicked international press tour in Singapore. During a red carpet event, Grande was reportedly caught off guard by an aggressive fan ambush that left her visibly shaken.

Cynthia Erivo immediately stepped in to intervene, physically distancing her co-star from the chaotic situation and providing a protective barrier. Witnesses described Erivo as being fiercely protective, ensuring that Grande felt safe before continuing with the event's scheduled appearances.

This moment of protective instinct has been cited by insiders as proof of the genuine sisterhood the two have developed. It illustrates that their relationship is built on more than just professional courtesy; it is a functional support system.

'They Creeped A Lot of People Out'

While many were thrilled to see Grande and Erivo's tight bond, some were uncomfortable. Grande earned a Golden Globe nomination for portraying Glinda in Wicked: For Good, but she was snubbed at the Oscars.

While the audience loved Grade and Erivo's chemistry in the film, for others, it lacked substance. The duo was playful during the tour, but Erivo's being overly protective of Grande was 'intense and bizarre' for some. Others speculate they were doing those shenanigans to go viral.

'They creeped a lot of people out and in their rush to feel authentic, came off as cosplaying,' an anonymous Oscar voter told NewsNation.

One of the most talked-about incidents was the pair's appearance on a promotional panel. Producer Marc Platt 'vigorously' shook Grande's arm and Erivo intervened by taking her co-star's arm and cradling it protectively. She even 'appeared to kiss it or put her head on it', which many found weird.

In another incident, Grande appeared overwhelmed by photographers and Erivo rushed by her side to flag them down. Erivo's actions raised eyebrows with some questioning it.

'The movie wasn't good and (Erivo and Grande) sucked the air out of any red carpet they were on -- and no one wanted to go through that again,' one voter said about the Oscar snub. 'Think of it this way: We were protecting Ariana from her anxiety -- and Cynthia from having to intervene. Again.'

Despite what the people say about Erivo and Grande's friendship, the latter appears content to find a sister in the former.