Ariana Grande Thanks Cynthia Erivo for Helping Her Heal

Ariana Grande has openly credited her co-star in the film adaptation of Wicked, Cynthia Erivo, for playing a significant role in her personal healing journey. In a touching interview with The New York Times, published on November 6, Grande, 31, reflected on the deep bond she shares with Erivo, 37, as they portray Glinda and Elphaba, respectively.

Grande expressed admiration for Erivo’s authenticity and strength, noting, “I feel really inspired by her fierce ability to be truthful and protect herself. Being around her has made me more of an ally to myself, something I struggled with in the past.” With emotion in her voice, she added how their friendship and the experience of embodying a character who believes in herself have allowed her to mend parts of herself that needed compassion and support.

In the same interview, Grande admitted to her struggles with being a people-pleaser, recalling moments where she felt compelled to apologize even when faced with harsh treatment. “I’ve had difficulty trusting my true voice out of fear of judgment,” she shared. “Overcoming that has been a really beautiful experience.”

Throughout her musical career, Grande has faced numerous challenges, including the aftermath of the tragic bombing at her Manchester concert in 2017, the loss of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller in 2018, and her recent divorce from Dalton Gomez in 2023 after just two years of marriage. Following her split, rumors circulated regarding her relationship with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, adding to the public scrutiny she faces.

Despite the ups and downs, Grande remains a source of support for Erivo as well. Slater has hailed Grande as a “comedy genius,” recognizing her talent and humor in portraying Glinda in Wicked. Erivo expressed gratitude for Grande’s impact on her life, stating, “I don’t know if she realizes it, but she has profoundly changed my perspective. For the first time, someone believed in my aspirations as a musician and encouraged me to pursue my dreams.”

As Wicked prepares for its theatrical debut on November 22, the film promises to explore the backstory of the iconic witches from Oz, illustrating their journey from rivals to friends. Grande described the audition process for Glinda as challenging yet rewarding, emphasizing the importance of proving oneself in such a high-stakes role.

In this moment of reflection and growth, both Grande and Erivo showcase the power of friendship and vulnerability, paving the way for their careers and personal lives as they continue to navigate the complexities of fame and artistry.