Cynthia Erivo finally sets the record straight. After months of online speculation regarding his close friendship with the ‘Wicked’ co-star Ariana GrandeErivo talks about the viral hand-hold, cheek-to-cheek pose, and intense bond that left fans wondering if their relationship was more than platonic. Now, in a new interview, Cynthia Erivo directly addresses the rumors and explains why their connection made some people uncomfortable.
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Cynthia Erivo explains the speculation surrounding her and Ariana Grande
During both press tours for “Wicked” and its sequel “Wicked: For Good,” Erivo and Grande were nearly inseparable, often shaking hands and standing close during interviews and red carpet appearances.
In a new interview with Stylist, Erivo addressed the speculation head-on. “At first I think people didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends – close – and not lovers,” the London-born star told the outlet. “I never really talked about it, but there was this strange fascination with the two of us, where people either thought we were showing it off for the cameras or that we were lovers.”
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Erivo explains why the closure of women’s bonds causes confusion
Erivo acknowledged that their visible closeness may have confused some viewers, particularly because deep platonic female friendships aren’t often highlighted in mainstream conversations. “I think it’s because there are so few conversations around platonic female friendship that is deep and real, even though it exists everywhere. We’re not used to seeing it on camera, in front of people,” Erivo said.
She further pointed out, “A relationship in which people are connected sometimes makes people uncomfortable; we are not taught that these relationships are good for us. »
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Cynthia Erivo reflects on their dynamic on set
Erivo has previously opened up about her working relationship with Grande, offering insight into how their different personalities actually complemented each other.
In an interview with EW’s “The Awardist” podcast in December, Erivo explained how their approaches differed behind the scenes.
“I like quiet and solitude to focus, and she could use some contact or just a moment of connection before we can begin,” she said of her co-star. “I think knowing that, with no preparation time, meant we could be influenced by the elements in the best possible way.”
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Ariana Grande explains viral takeover moment
Grande also addressed the now-viral hand-holding moments from the “Wicked” press tour. Speaking on the “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” podcast, Grande admitted, “I do it, I do it. I channel a lot of energy through my hands. And so I’m always holding hands. I’m always shaking something, as you’ve learned. I’m always reaching for something sometimes.”
She added that she often clings “to who I am. Yes, I like to channel support and energy…I didn’t even notice that was a thing that concerned me until this thing happened.”
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During the late 2024 press tour, Grande was seen holding Erivo’s finger, a gesture that quickly went viral online. “Yeah, because I didn’t know what was going on,” Grande admitted. “I just wanted to be supportive. I was like, oh my God. And it was sweet. It was beautiful. And it was beautiful,” the “Break Free” hitmaker added.
Cynthia Erivo talks about the mental demands of her job
Elsewhere in her conversation with Stylist, Erivo reflected on the intense process of building complex characters and the mental space required to bring them to life.
“It takes you mentally to a lot of different places, because you have to figure out who each of the characters is,” Erivo said. “Maybe there’s one or two for a line or two, but all the other characters have their own complete arc. So you have to find out physically who they are, mentally who they are, and vocally who they are.”
She continued, “It ends up feeling like you’re creating a bit of an orchestra; everyone has their own melody and rhythm. I go back to the root of what I do, finding characters and figuring out how to bring them to life. It’s not easy, because there are so many, but I enjoy it.”
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But when it comes to her relationship with Grande, Erivo makes it clear that the only thing brewing between her and Grande is friendship, not romance.
