Elphaba Star on Vocal Rest as Glinda Co-Star Steps Up for Final Red Carpet Stop

The Emerald City Arrives in New York

 

November 18, 2025: The global press tour for the much-anticipated film conclusion, Wicked: For Good, made its final stop in New York City on Monday, November 17th, with stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo leading the star-studded premiere at the Lincoln Center. The event, held just a subway ride away from the Broadway musical’s home, the Gershwin Theatre, transformed the location into a dazzling Emerald City.

The two lead actresses—who portray Glinda the Good and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West—appeared arm-in-arm, continuing their streak of press tour solidarity that has defined the project. They were joined by the rest of the cast, including Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum, and director Jon M. Chu.

Erivo on Vocal Rest, Grande Steps In

 

The final premiere saw a significant, last-minute change to the planned media interviews. Hours before the event, Universal Pictures released a statement confirming that Cynthia Erivo was “not feeling well and has lost her voice,” a common and serious occupational hazard for vocal performers.

In a show of support for her co-star, Ariana Grande, who has herself faced an arduous press tour, skipped most interviews and took on the role of Erivo’s spokesperson for the evening.

“I’m not letting her speak. She has to rest her voice!” Grande explained to a live stream host while standing arm-in-arm with a smiling, but mostly silent, Erivo. Grande playfully acted as Erivo’s “hype woman,” proudly announcing her friend’s upcoming projects.

Final Fashion and Friendship

 

Despite the health setback, both actresses delivered show-stopping fashion looks. Grande channeled her character Glinda in a custom Louis Vuitton fuchsia pink gown with a bubble-hem, while Erivo, in a nod to her character Elphaba, wore a dramatic black Balenciaga ballgown featuring a feather-trimmed turtleneck cape.

The moment of unity underscored the bond between the two stars, who have openly discussed their close friendship and even shared matching tattoos reading “For Good.” Director Jon M. Chu previously praised their genuine connection, saying, “They always put Wicked bigger than themselves.”