Grande and Erivo Stand United at 'Wicked' NYC Premiere, Skip Press After Singapore Scare

At the New York City premiere of 'Wicked: For Good,' Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo attracted attention for their striking fashion sense as well as their powerful demonstration of togetherness. The two chose not to participate in press interviews, claiming a recent illness, while walking the emerald-themed red carpet together at Lincoln Center. 

The decision to avoid media interactions is layered with more than just fatigue: their promotional tour has been marked by unexpected drama, including a frightening fan breach in Singapore and mechanical flight issues in Brazil. For Grande and Erivo, skipping the spotlight on the night seemed less about retreat and more about protection—of one another and the toll the whirlwind tour has taken.

Turbulent Tour: From Brazil Flight Scares to Singapore Red Carpet Chaos

The promotional journey for 'Wicked: For Good' has been anything but smooth. Due to technical issues with her trip, Ariana Grande was unable to attend the Brazil event and was therefore forced to skip the São Paulo premiere. Not long after, in Singapore, the tone turned explosive: a man later identified as 26-year-old Johnson Wen, better known online as "Pyjama Man," broke through security and grabbed Grande on the yellow-brick road carpet. Cynthia Erivo acted quickly in a shocking incident captured on camera, forcing the invader away until security arrived by putting herself between him and Grande. 

Image Courtesy: Vogue

Wen was later charged in a Singapore court for being a public nuisance. The incident highlighted the vulnerability that can come with fame—especially on a global promotional tour.

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Unbreakable Bond: Solidarity Amid Struggles

When it came time for the New York premiere on 17th November, Universal Pictures confirmed that Cynthia Erivo had lost her voice earlier in the day and was unwell—a "not feeling well" situation serious enough to skip interviews. However, Ariana Grande supported her friend instead of simply leaving. In solidarity, she too declined the interview slots, joking during a livestream that she wasn't "letting her speak" because "she has to rest her voice." 

Image Courtesy: MSN

Despite this, the two maintained a unified appearance on the red carpet, their arms clasped together and their faces displaying strength and warmth for one another. Behind the scenes, Erivo has often been open about their close friendship and how they have created an unwritten "BFF language" to help one another get through trying times. Erivo admitted later that they'd "come through some s---" together, and that the recent weeks have tested them more than they expected.

Fashion, Resilience and A Final Bow

Even without stepping in front of the microphones, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo delivered one of the most memorable red-carpet moments of the entire 'Wicked: For Good' press tour. Their appearance at Lincoln Center felt significant, a subdued yet impactful conclusion to a hectic promotional tour schedule full of unforeseen difficulties. Grande, embodying her Glinda spirit, arrived in a striking Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown featuring a sculpted silhouette with a pink-and-black palette that paid homage to both her character's bubblegum charm and her own modern pop-princess elegance. She looked effortlessly ethereal thanks to the dreamy touch of her delicate makeup, beautiful waves in her hair, and subtle shine.

Image Courtesy: W Magazine

Cynthia Erivo, on the other hand, went all out for high drama in a custom black Balenciaga gown by Pierpaolo Piccioli. It had a flowing train, striking feathery sleeves, and sculpted shoulders that gave it witchy sophistication. Elphaba was brought to life through fashion with her sculptural jewelry, black lip, and angular butterfly-mask sunglasses, which created an unforgettable combination of character and couture. However, the event had emotional significance that went beyond the fashion and camera clicks. This was their final major premiere together, and despite exhaustion, illness, and the emotionally draining events from Singapore to Brazil, both women showed up with unwavering grace.

Image Courtesy: W Magazine

Their body language conveyed a sincere intimacy that goes way beyond a normal co-star relationship as they posed arm in arm, grinning and speaking to one another in between shots. Fans and reporters noticed how carefully they checked on one another—fixing hair, adjusting gowns, sharing reassurances—small gestures that spoke volumes after a taxing week. Their appearance felt less like a promotional requirement and more like a victory lap: a celebration of resilience, sisterhood, and the journey they've shared.

In later remarks, Erivo reflected on how much they had endured together, hinting at the emotional strength it took to stay grounded amid global chaos and fan concerns. She described their bond as something like chosen family—a connection strengthened not just during filming, but through the intense pressure of their final press tour.

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