Ariana Grande Wipes Tears from Cynthia Erivo’s Face During EmotionalWickedInterview Moment: ‘That’s the Point’

Mar. 15, 2025

Ariana Grandeis comfortingCynthia Erivoon theWickedpress tour.

Grande, 31, and Erivo, 37, shared an emotional moment while speaking about the new movie musical’s friendship-forward themes in a video shared to Australian television seriesThe Project’sInstagram pagewith interviewerGeorgie Tunnyon Monday, Nov. 4.

In the video, Tunny told theWickedstars that a close friend’s young daughters had seen the movie already and that “at the end, they said ‘You have to be good and you have to be kind to everybody, and she is a good witch,’ " while discussing the movie.

“Yeah. That’s the message,” Grande said, to which Tunny added: “You know what I mean? It’s that impact.”

Erivo grew visibly emotional as she and Grande held hands and Grande began reaching toward Erivo’s face to wipe away tears. “If kids can feel that, then …” Erivo started, leaving Grande to state, “That’s the point.”

Erivo and Grande costar inWicked, the first of atwo-part adaptationof the hit Broadway show, as the Ozian witches Elphaba and Glinda, who are depicted as enemies in the 1939 classicThe Wizard of Oz. Much like the Broadway production, the movie serves as a prequel that displays the characters' friendship earlier in life and an eventual conflict that pulls them apart.

Grande continued to bat at Erivo’s face to wipe away tears as interviewer Tunny asked them for their thoughts on “power of friendship and the power of girlhood.”

“I don’t think we get to share it enough. I don’t think we get to talk about it as much,” Erivo responded," as Grande wiped the last tears from her eyes. “I don’t think we get to talk about our friendships, and how important they are to us. And they are important. Sometimes, they shape us.”

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Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in Sydney on Nov. 3, 2024.BIANCA DE MARCHI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

BIANCA DE MARCHI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Aside from Erivo and Grande,Wicked’s big-screen cast includesJonathan Baileyas Fiyero,Jeff Goldblumas the Wizard, Marissa Bode as Nessarose,Bowen Yangas Pfannee,Keala Settleas Miss Coddle,Ethan Slateras Boq,Peter Dinklageas Dr. Dillamond andMichelle Yeohas Madame Morrible.

Wicked: Part Oneis in theaters Nov. 22.Part Twois slated for Nov. 26, 2025.

source: people.com