A Devastated Ariana Grande Shares Her Apology to Fans
Fans in Brazil were eagerly awaiting a glimpse of Ariana Grande at the Wicked: For Good premiere in São Paulo on November 4, but the Grammy-winning singer had to make an emotional announcement: she couldn’t attend.
The 32-year-old star revealed late Monday, November 3, that a “safety issue” grounded her flight and forced her and her team to deplane before takeoff. Posting a heartfelt statement on Instagram Stories, Grande explained that she was “heartbroken” to miss one of the first major stops on the film’s global premiere tour.
“Brazil, I can’t believe this is happening,” she wrote. “I’m beyond devastated to be sending this message.”
A Sudden Safety Issue Grounds the Flight
According to Grande, her team had boarded a plane headed to São Paulo when unexpected maintenance concerns were discovered. The aircraft required immediate inspection, delaying departure until 11 a.m. the next morning — far too late for the event’s red-carpet and press schedule.
“A few hours ago, my team and I had to deplane our flight,” Grande explained. “They had to do maintenance on the plane due to a safety issue. The plane will not be able to take off until the morning.”
Despite frantic efforts by Universal Pictures and Grande’s management, no commercial or private flight could get her there on time. “Every single option was explored,” she wrote, noting that private travel also required special flight permits that take time to process.
Grande: ‘We Tried Everything We Could’
In her emotional note, Grande emphasized that she and the Wicked team did everything possible to reach fans in Brazil:
“We searched every other flight — overnight, early morning, connecting, commercial and private — and absolutely nothing was available that would get us there in time,” she said.
The pop star continued, “I am so heartbroken that I’m unable to be there with you all. We sincerely tried everything we could, and I apologize from the bottom of my heart.”
Grande ended her post with gratitude and affection for her Brazilian supporters, urging them to celebrate her Wicked castmates in her absence.
“Please shower my incredible castmates with all of the love that I wish I could be there to give you,” she wrote. “I am so, so very sorry.”
The Wicked: For Good Global Tour Continues
The São Paulo premiere marked the kickoff of the global tour for Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated sequel to 2024’s Wicked, which became the highest-grossing stage-to-screen adaptation in history.
Joining Grande on the film’s star-studded roster are Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard), Ethan Slater (Boq), Marissa Bode (Nessarose), Peter Dinklage (Doctor Dillamond), Bowen Yang, and Bronwyn James.
Director Jon M. Chu has teased “surprises” in the sequel, which explores the aftermath of Dorothy’s arrival in Oz and how Glinda and Elphaba’s choices shape their destinies.
Ariana’s Ongoing Wicked Journey
Although the Brazil event was canceled for her, Grande has already been deeply involved in promoting Wicked: For Good. She recently attended a special screening in New York City on October 28, where she reunited with members of the original Broadway and touring companies of Wicked.
During that screening, she spoke about the emotional connection she feels to the stage community:
“This film was made with so much love and respect for all of you who have done, and still do, eight shows a week,” she told the audience. “We love you and share this with you. It’s an honor to be here and share it with you first.”
Ariana Grande’s Message of Love to Brazil
Grande’s Brazilian fans have long been some of her most dedicated supporters — and her message reflected that affection. “You mean the world to me,” she wrote in a follow-up post. “I’ll make it up to you as soon as possible.”
Despite her absence, the Wicked cast ensured the São Paulo celebration went on. Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, and Jeff Goldblum greeted fans, sharing stories from the set and previewing new footage from the upcoming film.
About Wicked: For Good
The follow-up to 2024’s Wicked returns audiences to the Emerald City, exploring the events after Dorothy’s arrival and the evolving friendship between Glinda and Elphaba.
Release date: November 21, 2025
Director: Jon M. Chu
Music: Stephen Schwartz
Book: Winnie Holzman
With its sweeping score, all-star cast, and dazzling visuals, Wicked: For Good is expected to be one of the year’s biggest theatrical releases.
Leave a Reply