Cynthia Erivo has penned a heartfelt tribute to Ariana Grande, calling her “sweet sister” and “favorite person to sing with,” after the two Wicked co-stars reunited on stage for an emotional two-song performance. The message, shared on Instagram alongside video clips of the performance, captured a reunion that clearly moved both the performers and their fans.

What Happened on Stage

The pair performed ‘For Good’ followed by ‘Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again’ — two songs drawn directly from their shared Wicked journey. In the film, Grande plays Glinda while Erivo portrays Elphaba, and the songs carry particular resonance given the characters’ arc of friendship and farewell.

Erivo’s Message to Grande

In her caption, Erivo wrote: “Ari, my sweet sister, my favorite person to sing with. Thank you for inviting me to share your stage, singing 2 songs that represent such a massive part of our lives. This is what we do it for, for the love of the work and for all of the fans. I missed this. We missed this.”

She added: “And I wish I had more words, but to put it simply, I will never forget this night. Like a handprint on my heart. All my love, Cynthia.” The phrase ‘handprint on my heart’ is itself a lyrical echo of ‘For Good’, deepening the emotional resonance of her words.

About Wicked and Its Cast

Wicked is a musical fantasy film directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. It adapts the first act of the 2003 stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman, itself loosely based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel — a reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its 1939 film adaptation. The film is set in the Land of Oz before the events of the original story, exploring the early bond between Elphaba — the future Wicked Witch of the West — and her schoolmate Galinda.

The ensemble cast includes Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum in supporting roles. All principal cast members, including Grande and Erivo, reprise their roles in the sequel, Wicked: For Good, which adapts the second act of the stage musical.

Why the Moment Matters

The on-stage reunion underscores the unusually deep bond the two leads forged during the making of the Wicked films — a connection that has been visible in their public appearances and interviews throughout the promotional cycle. Notably, the songs they chose are among the most emotionally charged in the Wicked canon, making the performance feel less like a concert cameo and more like a personal statement. For fans of both artists, the night served as a rare convergence of theatrical legacy and pop stardom.