"I'm sorry": Ariana Grande skips interviews to support Cynthia Erivo’s vocal rest at 'Wicked: For Good' NYC premiere

Ariana Grande took the lead on the red carpet at the Wicked: For Good New York City premiere on November 17, 2025, after her co-star Cynthia Erivo lost her voice. As reported by CNN on November 18, 2025, press was told ahead of the event that the pair would not be doing interviews because Erivo was on vocal rest.

However, the Wicked: For Good made a brief appearance on E!’s official livestream, where Ariana Grande answered questions on Cynthia Erivo’s behalf, clarifying to viewers that she was “not letting her speak” to protect her during an already taxing global press tour.

Cynthia Erivo, who managed only a few raspy words, apologized as Grande repeatedly told her, “I’m sorry,” while assuring fans the team was doing everything possible to support her recovery.

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Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's interview on the E! livestream

During their joint appearance on E!’s livestream, Ariana Grande reportedly handled all microphone duties, explaining that Erivo had been instructed to avoid speaking due to vocal strain. As reported by E! News on November 18, 2025, Grande talked about both of their projects, and their joint Grammy nomination for track Defying Gravity, as well as Erivo’s upcoming album and book Simply More.

At one point, Grande is even seen asking, “Am I doing OK?” prompting Erivo to nod and laugh silently beside her.

Cynthia Erivo broke her silence only momentarily, leaning into the mic to briefly talk about the full-circle moment of the film premiere taking place in New York City, home of the Gershwin Theatre where the Wicked play originally debuted in 2003.

Erivo’s voice came out hoarse, prompting Grande to interject, “No more… I’m sorry,” before explaining that Erivo was “throat-coating” and resting as much as possible.

Both actors described feeling “overwhelming gratitude” as the film franchise concludes, with Ariana Grande talking about how physically draining the press tour had been, especially after a separate incident in Singapore where an intruder rushed at the Yes, And singer during the premiere.

Michelle Yeoh , Ariana Grande , Cynthia Erivo , react during the handprint ceremony of the "Wicked: For Good" Asia-Pacific Premiere at Universal Studio Singapore on November 13, 2025 in Singapore (Image via Getty)

Neither addressed that event in New York, but the singer noted that “there’s only so much the human body can do” and thanked fans for understanding the modified interview setup.

"She's throat-coating and we're nourishing the throat. We're going to make it work and we're really sorry that this is how it is. We're sorry and we love you guys so much. Thank you for understanding. There's only so much the human body can do"

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More about the Wicked: For Good New York City premiere

The Wicked: For Good New York premiere on November 17, 2025, reportedly saw the full cast and a star-studded roster of celebrity guests, making the red carpet one of the film’s most visible promotional moments yet. As reported by E! News in their update on November 18, 2025, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum and Ethan Slater reunited as the franchise prepares to release its second and final instalment in theatres on November 21, 2025.

The Wicked: For Good cast was joined by a wide mix of actors and performers, including Nina Dobrev, Constance Wu, Claire Danes, Megan Hilty and Trisha Paytas, who appeared to support the closing chapter of the Wizard of Oz-inspired story.

As reported by E! News, costumes and styling were central to the night. Ariana Grande was seen custom Schiaparelli, while Erivo wore Balenciaga.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande attend the "Wicked: For Good!" New York Premiere at David Geffen Hall on November 17, 2025 in New York City. (Image via Getty)

Jeff Goldblum appeared in Prada with a Jacob & Co. timepiece, and Colman Domingo opted for Dolce & Gabbana. Additional attendees included Bowen Yang, Auli’i Cravalho, Marissa Bode, Bronwyn James, Natasha Bedingfield in Christian Siriano, and Jimmy Fallon. Director Jon M. Chu also walked the carpet alongside cast members and guests.

Actors Jeff Goldblum, Stephen Schwartz, Michelle Yeoh and Emilie Livingston attend as Universal Pictures proudly presents the WICKED FOR GOOD US Premiere on November 17, 2025 in New York City. (Image via Getty)

Ahead of the premiere, both Arian Grande and Cynthia Erivo reflected on the long creative process on Wicked: The Official Podcast. Erivo described the project as “a big journey” that spanned nearly half a decade, while Grande adde the second film had been “a huge secret for years", saying,

"This second half has been a huge secret for years now, and yet the first part was happening at the same time as the second part. So for us, they’re intertwined irrevocably—one doesn’t exist without the other"

Erivo added that the experience is unlikely to leave their lives anytime soon, calling it “a wonderful thing to be stuck with.”

“I honestly don’t think that this is going to leave our lives for a very long time. This might be stuck with us for quite some time. But it’s a wonderful thing to be stuck with.”

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The New York premier for Wicked: For Good came amid what both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have described as an intense and emotionally charged promotional cycle.

Earlier on the day of the premiere, an alleged serial intruder who rushed Ariana Grande during the Singapore event was sentenced to nine days in jail for being a public nuisance, as reported by CNN, on November 18, 2025.

Although Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo did not discuss the incident on the red carpet, Erivo reflected on its days earlier, telling E! that the experience highlighted how much they have supported each other through “some stuff… in our daily workings.”

"We have come through some stuff in our lives, in our daily workings. Let's be honest, for f**k's sakes: We've had to really deal with some stuff, and this movie has allowed us to really grow as people, as friends, as sisters, as artists, as actresses."

Erivo, 38, said the film allowed the two to grow as “friends, as sisters, as artists,” also noting how meaningful it has been to portray characters in which audiences see themselves. She added that looking into Grande’s eyes during the process had been essential to her performance.

Wicked: For Good directed by Jon M Chu, will be in theatres across the US on November 21, 2025.

Edited by Devangee