What Did Cynthia Erivo Say About Ariana Grande Rumors?
Synopsis
Cynthia Erivo discusses the odd speculation surrounding her friendship with Ariana Grande, emphasizing that their bond is purely platonic. This highlights the often-overlooked topic of deep female friendships, challenging societal norms and perceptions. Discover the insights she shares about their unique relationship and the importance of recognizing platonic connections.
Key Takeaways
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande share a deep, platonic friendship.
The speculation around their relationship highlights societal norms regarding female friendships.
Erivo encourages open conversations about the validity of platonic friendships.
Wicked explores themes of friendship and identity in the Land of Oz.
Strong platonic relationships among women are often overlooked but are essential.
Los Angeles, Feb 16 (NationPress) Actress Cynthia Erivo, who shared the screen with Ariana Grande in John M. Chu's much-anticipated two-part film adaptation of Wicked, has spoken out about the "unusual curiosity" regarding her friendship with Grande, clarifying that it is entirely "platonic".
The 39-year-old actress noted that the speculation arose from a societal tendency to question the nature of their relationship, especially given the strong connection they share, as reported by femalefirst.co.uk.
She revealed to The Stylist: “Initially, I believe people found it hard to comprehend how two women could maintain a close friendship without it being romantic. I haven't really discussed this before, but there was this peculiar intrigue about us, where some assumed we were either performing for the audience or were in a romantic relationship.”
Erivo further elaborated: “This stems from the fact that there’s so little dialogue around the existence of deep and genuine platonic friendships between women, even though they are prevalent everywhere.
“We don't often witness such connections portrayed in media, and sometimes, relationships where individuals share a strong bond can make onlookers uneasy; we aren’t socialized to recognize that these relationships can be beneficial.”
Director John commented on their chemistry during the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast: "Initially, my thought was to keep possibilities open for anyone. The studio never pressured us regarding names or follower counts. Not a single word.
“When Cynthia steps in and performs, you can feel it resonate within you. And when Ari embraced her role as Glinda, it was clear to me. I realized what everyone is witnessing now - I saw it on day four.”
Wicked adapts the first act of the 2003 stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman, which draws inspiration from Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, a reimagined version of L. Frank Baum's 1900 book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and its 1939 film.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande portray Elphaba Thropp and Glinda Upland, respectively. The film also features Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.
Set in the Land of Oz prior to the occurrences in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the film delves into the early connection between Elphaba, who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and her classmate Galinda, who transforms into Glinda the Good.
Point of View
Cynthia Erivo's remarks on her relationship with Ariana Grande shed light on a crucial topic: the perception of female friendships in society. The fascination with their bond reflects a broader cultural narrative that often seeks to define relationships in binary terms. By bringing attention to the validity of deep, platonic connections, Erivo encourages a shift in dialogue that can foster greater understanding and acceptance of diverse forms of love.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Cynthia Erivo say about her friendship with Ariana Grande?
Cynthia Erivo clarified that her relationship with Ariana Grande is purely platonic, addressing the strange fascination people have with their friendship.
Why is there speculation about Erivo and Grande's relationship?
The speculation stems from societal difficulties in understanding how two women can be close friends without being romantically involved.
What is the significance of the conversation around platonic friendships?
Erivo highlights that there is little discussion about deep platonic friendships among women, which are real and prevalent but often overlooked.
What is the plot of Wicked?
Wicked explores the early relationship between Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and her schoolmate Galinda, who becomes Glinda the Good, set in the Land of Oz.
Who else stars in Wicked besides Erivo and Grande?
The film also features Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.
