Speculation has arisen regarding the relationship between co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo amid unverified claims that the two are no longer communicating. The gossip surfaced from an anonymous post on the entertainment blog Crazy Days and Nights, which suggested that the actresses are “on the outs” following their collaboration on the Wicked film franchise. Despite these claims, the public interactions between Grande and Erivo appear to contradict this narrative.
In November 2025, both actresses attended the premiere of Wicked: For Good in New York City, where they walked the red carpet together. During the event, Erivo lost her voice, prompting Grande to forgo interviews in a show of solidarity. Representatives from Universal Pictures confirmed to Variety that “Cynthia is not feeling well and has lost her voice, therefore she and Ariana will not be doing interviews this evening.” The duo also received Golden Globe nominations for their performances in Wicked: For Good, marking a historic moment as the first two actors from the same film nominated twice for their roles.
These anonymous claims are not new. In December 2024, Radar Online reported allegations of behind-the-scenes tension, stating that it was “like Glinda vs Elphaba in real life.” However, they could not independently verify these claims, advising readers to “take this report with a grain of salt.” Earlier rumors also suggested conflicts regarding salary disparities, which Universal Pictures swiftly denied, confirming that both actresses received equal pay. Additionally, there was speculation that Erivo felt overlooked when Grande hosted Saturday Night Live without inviting her, yet no public statements have been made by either actress to support these allegations.
Throughout the promotional events for Wicked, Grande and Erivo’s friendship has been well-documented. A timeline compiled by Harper’s Bazaar highlights their bond, starting from their casting in 2021 and continuing through numerous premieres and award ceremonies. Upon their casting, Grande and Erivo exchanged heartfelt notes, with Erivo writing, “Pink goes with green. Congratulations, Miss A, the part was made for you,” while Grande responded, “Honored doesn’t even begin to cover it. I cannot wait to hug you.”
Both actresses have previously emphasized the authenticity of their friendship. Grande spoke about Erivo’s exceptional talent during an appearance on Penn Badgley’s podcast, Podcrushed, stating, “To work with someone who is just absolutely in their own league as a talent in the world—there’s no one like her. To just feel like we somehow speak the same language and somehow we’re destined to do this together.”
The nature of blind items, such as those from Crazy Days and Nights, allows gossip sites to publish stories without identifying sources, which can lead to speculation without verification. While the site has garnered a following for its content, it does not adhere to a verification process, relying solely on anonymous submissions. As a result, entertainment journalists typically refrain from reporting on these items unless they are substantiated by credible sources.
The intense focus on Grande and Erivo’s relationship reflects ongoing patterns in celebrity culture, where the authenticity of co-stars’ friendships often comes under scrutiny. Their close bond has previously sparked rumors about the nature of their relationship, including a playful response from Grande in February 2025, addressing speculation that people thought they were “secretly married.”
As of now, neither Grande nor Erivo’s representatives have responded to the latest claims stemming from the blind item, and no credible entertainment outlets have corroborated the allegations. The ongoing speculation surrounding their relationship underscores the challenges faced by celebrities in maintaining personal connections under public scrutiny.
