Pop superstar Ariana Grande and Tony Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo have once again dispelled rumors of animosity, showcasing their strong bond during a recent performance. The two stars, who collaborated on the film adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked,’ shared a heartwarming moment on stage, reinforcing their close friendship.
Surprise Collaboration Silences Speculation
During Grande’s ‘Eternal Sunshine’ tour stop in London over the weekend, she made a surprise appearance by bringing out Erivo. The duo took to the stage at London’s O2 Arena, performing a duet of ‘For Good’ from ‘Wicked: Part One’ and Barbra Streisand’s ‘Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again.’ The concert was a resounding success, with fans erupting in enthusiastic applause for the special performance.
The chemistry between Grande and Erivo was palpable as they sang, exchanging warm smiles throughout their performance. The moment that truly captured attention, however, was when Grande leaned in and kissed Erivo’s hand, a gesture that immediately became a focal point, underscoring the depth of their connection.
‘Wicked’ Co-Stars Forge Deep Friendship
Grande and Erivo starred as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, in the highly anticipated 2024 film ‘Wicked’ and its upcoming 2025 sequel, ‘Wicked: Part Two.’ Their on-screen partnership blossomed into a genuine friendship, which was evident during their promotional tours for the film. They were frequently photographed holding hands, sparking widespread discussion about their close relationship.
Erivo herself has spoken about their physical connection, telling ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ in December 2024, “We hold hands a lot. If we’re not holding hands, we’re finding each other.” She elaborated on how this physical touch transcends romantic relationships, stating, “I think people think that physical connection can only happen in a romantic relationship. There are times when we don’t say anything and we’re in a room, and just holding hands is how we communicate.”
Grande echoed these sentiments in a November 2025 appearance on Amy Pollers’ podcast, ‘Good Hang.’ She described herself as someone who transmits a lot of energy through touch and emphasized her efforts to maintain their bond even after filming concluded. “We’re both very busy, but we’re doing our best to stay connected and to look out for each other,” Grande shared, expressing her desire to cherish their shared experiences.
Addressing Persistent Rumors
The close relationship between Grande and Erivo has not been without its share of speculation. In November of the previous year, during a ‘Wicked: Part One’ premiere event in Singapore, Erivo was photographed intervening when a fan approached Grande. This incident further fueled public interest.
The nature of their bond led to rumors, with some media outlets even speculating about a romantic relationship. Erivo addressed these rumors directly in a February interview with a media outlet, calling the intense scrutiny “a strange obsession.” She noted that people often assume such public displays of affection are solely for the cameras or indicate a romantic involvement.
Further speculation arose when the two were not seen together publicly after the promotional tour for ‘Wicked’ concluded, leading some to question if their friendship was genuine. In response, Erivo clarified in a May interview with ‘Variety,’ “I think people didn’t believe that we were actually friends.” She added, “We text every day.” Erivo firmly stated her position on their friendship, asserting, “People don’t know me. If I’m friends, I’m friends, and if I’m not, I’m not,” drawing a clear line regarding any doubts about her bond with Grande.
A Friendship Built on Mutual Support
The public displays of affection and Erivo’s candid explanations highlight a deep and supportive friendship between the two artists. Their collaboration on ‘Wicked’ has clearly forged a connection that extends beyond the professional realm, characterized by mutual respect and genuine care. The recent London performance served as a powerful reminder of this unique bond, effectively silencing any lingering doubts about their camaraderie.
As both artists continue their successful careers, their friendship remains a notable aspect of their public lives, offering a glimpse into a supportive and enduring connection in the demanding world of entertainment.
