Ariana Grande Worries Over Cynthia Erivo | Update 2026

Cynthia Erivo has been receiving messages of concern from Ariana Grande following recent scrutiny surrounding the timelines of her and Grande’s respective relationships, according to reports. The messages, described as “very, very worried,” come amid ongoing discussion sparked by the release of “Wicked” and the subsequent attention on the cast’s personal lives.

The concern stems from the overlapping timelines of Erivo and Ariana Grande’s relationships with their current and former partners. As reported by Music Times, both Erivo and Grande ended previous relationships around the time of filming “Wicked” in 2022. Grande began a relationship with her co-star, Ethan Slater, while both were married to other people. Simultaneously, Erivo’s relationship with Lena Waithe unfolded after Waithe’s marriage to Alana Mayo ended in 2020, following a divorce finalized in 2021 amid speculation of infidelity.

Relationship Timelines Spark Discussion

The situation has drawn attention online, with some users questioning the circumstances surrounding the relationships. Social media posts, as highlighted by Music Times, have raised concerns about the timing of these developments. The scrutiny prompted reports of producers requesting a “six-month hiatus” for Erivo and Waithe to mitigate potential negative reactions.

Ariana Grande addressed the situation indirectly in a recent interview with Variety on January 9, 2026, emphasizing the demanding nature of her role as Glinda in “Wicked.” She described acting as a form of “reconciliation” compared to the self-focused nature of music, stating, “I really love the work. I love getting to know the little mental map of a person — what makes them tick, what triggers them. Even the things that never make it into the film.”

“Music is very self-focused. It’s confession,” she says.

Ariana Grande via Variety

Grande also praised director Jon M. Chu and her co-star Cynthia Erivo, defending them against criticism related to awards snubs. She highlighted Erivo’s performance as Elphaba, calling it “the most truthful, vulnerable and fierce Elphaba we’ve seen, and it will be referenced and adored for generations.” This statement came after Erivo was not nominated for an Actor Awards for her role in “Wicked: For Good,” despite receiving a nomination for the first “Wicked” film.

Awards Recognition and Support

In an interview with The Independent on January 11, 2026, Grande further emphasized Erivo’s contributions, stating that any success she experiences is shared with her co-star. “That’s why I say every good thing that happens to me belongs to them, too,” she said. “None of this exists in isolation. We informed each other every single day.”

The lack of nominations for both Chu and Erivo are seen as potentially impacting their chances at the upcoming Academy Awards, as the Actors’ and Directors’ Guild Awards often serve as indicators for Oscar voting. Despite this, Grande remains steadfast in her support for Erivo and Chu, acknowledging their significant impact on the film and its themes.

The attention on the cast’s personal lives coincides with the success of “Wicked,” which has resonated with audiences and critics alike. Grande’s comments underscore the strong bond between the cast members and their commitment to the film’s message of friendship and acceptance. News of Grande and Doechii winning awards at the 2026 Grammys was also reported by The Palm Beach Post, though unrelated to the current situation.

As reported by People, Grande was also seen wiping away tears from Erivo’s face during an interview with an Australian television series, further demonstrating their close relationship and mutual support. This gesture occurred while discussing the themes of female friendship within the film.