The release of Wicked: For Good has reignited global fascination with the profound friendship between its stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Their bond, forged in the fires of bringing the iconic musical to the big screen, has become a story almost as compelling as the film itself, captivating fans with its authenticity and depth.
A Bond Forged in Song and Safe Spaces
The foundation for this remarkable partnership was laid in November 2021, when the pop superstar and the Tony Award-winning actress first met at Erivo's home after learning they had been cast together. Ariana Grande revealed to the BBC that their initial meeting was far from a formal hello; they spent five hours together, a whirlwind of laughter and tears. "We had a really real conversation right off the bat just about creating a safe space for each other," Grande shared. Their second meeting, at a cast dinner hosted by director Jon M. Chu, saw them sing together for the first time, a moment Cynthia Erivo described to the Today show as "really big... because we can do this together, not just as actresses but as singers."
Ink and Intimacy: The Matching Tattoos
Their connection soon became permanently etched onto their skin. In 2023, while still deep in filming, the pair got their now-famous matching 'For Good' tattoos on their hands in a minimalist font. The placement was deeply symbolic; Ariana explained to MTV that it was chosen "so when [they] hold hands, the words touch." Director Jon M. Chu admitted to The New York Times he had cautioned them to wait, but they opted to ignore his advice. The matching ink didn't stop there. They also have poppies, a nod to the Wizard of Oz's poppy field, on the outer edge of their hands, and small hearts on their ankles containing the first initial of their character's name, which also doubles for their own surnames. Erivo even teased to Le Quotidien about "two" additional tattoos they cannot show.
A Viral Press Tour and Tearful Declarations
By 2024, their dynamic became a global spectacle during the Wicked press tour. A particularly viral moment occurred when a journalist told them people were "holding space" with the lyrics of Defying Gravity. Cynthia's tearful, baffling response, where she repeated "That's really powerful," was met with Ariana delicately holding her friend's finger, a gesture that became an instant meme. The duo later confessed to Variety they had no idea what the journalist meant. Despite the confusion, their affection was undeniable. Cynthia reflected in one interview, "I think we found a little piece of ourselves in each other... each of us was missing a little chunk."
As Wicked: For Good hits cinemas, the press tour has been quieter, with Erivo telling Harper's Bazaar she seeks "separation" from Elphaba. However, their reunion for the Wicked One Wonderful Night special and behind-the-scenes snaps confirm that this is a friendship that has, true to their tattoos, changed them both for good.
