As the Wicked: For Good release date inches closer and closer, fans are less interested in the film and more in the bond between its lead stars, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
Bringing the fictional Elphaba and Glinda to life, the two actresses have grown closer and closer, perhaps to an extent that doesn’t sit right with many fans for some reason.
Calling it co-dependency and/or obsession, netizens have questioned Erivo and Grande’s relationship for quite some time now, and their off-screen interactions only fuel the confusion. The constant hand-holding, screaming at helicopters, and fixing necklaces that don’t need fixing, Grande is finally addressing her touchy relationship with Erivo.
During her appearance on the A Good Hang podcast, host Amy Poehler asked her about their “sweet” bond and how they “touch each other…in a non-s*xual way…in a loving way of like, supporting each other.” As for why she does it, Grande revealed that she channels energy through her hands.
I channel a lot of energy through my hands. So, I’m always holding a hand. I’m always squeezing something, I’m always reaching for something. It’s often, like, who I’m with and like, yeah, I like to channel an energy – I didn’t even notice that it was thing about me until that thing happened.
Well, you may find it sweet, or you may find it weird, but one thing’s for sure: we’ve never seen a bond like this between two co-stars! Read FandomWire’s review of Wicked: For Good here.
What Netizens Have to Say About Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande
Grande and Erivo have become the Internet’s latest obsession, and not in a good way. Due to their awkward and, as some would say, over-the-top interview moments, the actresses have been made fun of left and right.
Some are calling Erivo out for treating the 32-year-old singer/actress as a porcelain doll, especially after this moment of her tending to Grande’s arm went viral:
I love Cynthia Erivo, but all this concern is getting weird. Ariana Grande isn't some poor, porcelain doll. pic.twitter.com/FhBy001E8U
After the Internet was flooded with such moments between the two, some even went as far as to call their relationship “creepy and satanic“:
Why do Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo stay acting so weird with each other? Just downright creepy and satanic. pic.twitter.com/mXXa6vXQYV
Take a look at what others have to say about it all:
Used to stan Cynthia Erivo hard
But her Wicked-era obsession with Ariana Grande is straight-up WEIRD. Constant finger-holding, arm-snatching, 'singing with her is ADDICTIVE' quotes? Girl, chill-it's giving possessive vibes, not sisterhood. Ari looks drained AF. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/OsiOiJTCca
The 1 thing I honestly cannot stand about Wicked part 2 rolling around is having to see this weird ass behavior between Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande again.
It’s legit gross. Very annoying & aggravating…
It’s off putting AF. Makes me not want to even watch the movie.
idk ariana and cynthia need to be separated for a little while somethings off pic.twitter.com/vFVxxAu2O7
Cynthia erivo and ariana grande’s relationship is suuuuper weird!!!
Of course, there are many who are calling out the haters for taking their bond and turning it into something Wicked, but the truth is, the hate outweighs the love.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s Bond: Do They Have Matching Tattoos?
Erivo and Grande have been open about their love for each other. Talking to the NY Times about their relationship, Grande said,
I think that was one of my most cherished parts of this experience. I felt held and like I had a friend every step of the way.
At the 2024 Met Gala, Grande admitted that their bond goes beyond friendship: “She is really, truly my sister. We really found in each other things we needed” (via Variety). Similarly, Erivo also gushed about her co-star, calling her the best gift she has gotten (via KIISFM):
You are a one in a million and if I had to do this all over again, you’d still be my Glinda, but Ari really is the gift I was lucky to get.
In her conversation with the NY Times, Grande revealed that the two of them have gotten “many tattoos” together, and we are yet to know exactly how many (we only know of two). First, they share a drawing of a poppy flower on their hands. Second, they have matching “For Good” tattoos on their palms.
Make sure to share your two cents on Elphaba and Glinda’s off-screen relationship. Do you think it’s just female camaraderie on point, or is it just way too weird for you?
Wicked For Good comes out in theaters on November 21, 2025. Meanwhile, you can rent/buy Wicked on Prime Video.
