Ariana Grande made a viral red carpet moment during the New York City premiere of “Wicked: For Good” on Monday, November 17, 2025, when she politely asked photographers to stop shouting while posing for pictures alongside co-star Cynthia Erivo.
The 32-year-old singer and actress, who stars as Glinda in the highly anticipated two-part Wicked adaptation, brought a lighthearted tone to the event, joking, “This is so peaceful, see?” as she encouraged photographers to lower their voices. In another clip, Grande reassured photographers, saying, “I promise you’ll get your shot,” demonstrating her warmth and professionalism even amid a chaotic media environment.
Cynthia Erivo Supports Co-Star Amid Health Challenges
Erivo, 38, who plays Elphaba, joined Grande on the red carpet but did not participate in most press interviews due to losing her voice earlier in the day. Grande even joked during the premiere livestream, “I’m not letting her speak. She has to rest her voice!” The pair’s camaraderie and mutual support were evident throughout the evening, reinforcing their close off-screen friendship.
Erivo added, “It’s really beautiful that we’re finishing here, where it started,” referencing the Gershwin Theatre in New York City, where the Wicked musical first captivated audiences, highlighting the symbolic significance of the final premiere stop in the U.S.
A Star-Studded Premiere
The New York premiere also featured director Jon M. Chu and co-stars Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh, and Ethan Slater. Despite skipping interviews, Grande and Erivo delighted fans and photographers alike, posing for photos and maintaining their signature poise and charm.
The premiere marked the final stop in a whirlwind global promotional tour, which included stops in London, Paris, Singapore, and Brazil. During the tour, Grande experienced significant challenges, including a red carpet attack at the Singapore premiere, where Erivo intervened to protect her co-star, and missed the Brazil premiere due to flight safety concerns.
The Anticipation for Wicked: For Good
Fans can finally see Wicked: For Good in theaters beginning Friday, November 21, 2025. The sequel continues the story of Glinda and Elphaba, exploring their contrasting paths: Glinda as the celebrated symbol of goodness in Emerald City and Elphaba as the exiled “Wicked Witch of the West,” fighting to liberate Oz’s oppressed Animals while uncovering the Wizard’s secrets.
The film also introduces new musical numbers, including “No Place Like Home” performed by Erivo and “The Girl in the Bubble” sung by Grande, adding fresh highlights to the beloved Wicked soundtrack.
Behind-the-Scenes Friendship
Grande and Erivo’s strong bond has been well-documented throughout the promotional tour. Erivo described their on-screen and off-screen synergy as “really exhilarating — a little bit addictive”, noting that the pair developed a unique communication system to support each other during long press days.
Their friendship, forged through shared experiences on stage, in interviews, and during global premieres, continues to shine as the film reaches audiences worldwide.
Leave a Reply