Cynthia Erivo is addressing the persistent rumors that her close friendship with Ariana Grande extended beyond the professional, fueled by their on-screen chemistry and off-screen rapport during the production and promotion of the “Wicked” films. In a recent interview with The Stylist, Erivo spoke candidly about the speculation, attributing it to a societal discomfort with deep platonic connections between women.
“At first, I think people didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends—close—and not lovers,” Erivo explained. She added that she had previously avoided addressing the rumors directly, but acknowledged a “strange fascination with the two of us, where people either thought we were putting it on for the cameras or that we were lovers.”
Erivo and Grande starred as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, in John Chu’s two-part adaptation of the beloved musical, first appearing in ’s “Wicked” and continuing with ’s “Wicked: For Good.” Their undeniable chemistry was a focal point throughout the films’ marketing campaign, generating significant buzz and, apparently, a wave of speculation about the nature of their relationship.
A Reflection of Societal Expectations
Erivo’s comments highlight a broader cultural issue: the tendency to question the authenticity of close, non-romantic relationships between women. She suggested that the fascination with a potential romance stemmed from a lack of representation and understanding of “deep and real” platonic female friendships. “I think it’s because there’s such little conversation around platonic female friendship that is deep and real, even though it exists everywhere,” she said. “We’re not used to seeing it on camera, in front of people. A relationship where people are connected sometimes just makes people uncomfortable; we aren’t taught that those relationships are good for us.”
The scrutiny surrounding Erivo and Grande’s friendship took place against the backdrop of both actresses being in established relationships. Erivo has been with Lena Waithe since , while Grande is linked to her “Wicked” co-star, Ethan Slater.
Oscar Buzz and Subsequent Snub
The attention surrounding the pair extended to awards season. Grande received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards for her performance in “Wicked,” but neither she nor Erivo secured nominations for “Wicked: For Good.” This perceived snub has fueled further discussion, with some suggesting that the intense public interest in their relationship may have negatively impacted their chances.
An anonymous Oscar voter reportedly told NewsNation that the promotional performances by Erivo and Grande “creeped a lot of people out,” and that their attempt at authenticity “came off as cosplaying.” The voter also criticized the film itself, stating, “The movie wasn’t that great. The two have amazing on-screen chemistry but spent most of the movie apart.”
While the voter’s comments are speculative and represent a single perspective, they underscore the complex dynamics at play during awards season and the potential for external factors to influence voting decisions. The suggestion that the actresses’ public image overshadowed their performances raises questions about the pressures faced by female performers and the challenges of navigating public perception.
Erivo’s willingness to address the rumors directly, and to frame them within the context of societal expectations surrounding female friendships, offers a nuanced perspective on the situation. It’s a conversation that extends beyond the realm of celebrity gossip, touching on broader themes of representation, authenticity, and the importance of celebrating diverse forms of connection.
The success of “Wicked: For Good” at the box office, grossing over $226 million globally, demonstrates the enduring appeal of the story and the star power of Erivo and Grande. Despite the Oscar snubs and the surrounding controversy, their performances have resonated with audiences, solidifying their positions as leading figures in contemporary musical cinema.
