Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's presence at the Monday night premiere of "Wicked: For Good" in New York City was marred by a last-minute setback. Just hours before the red carpet unfurled at Lincoln Center, Universal's representatives informed the media that "Cynthia is not feeling well and has lost her voice, thus she and Ariana will not be conducting interviews this evening." Variety later learned that Grande, in solidarity with Erivo, chose to skip the interviews as well. However, the duo is still expected to pose for photographs on the carpet.
The co-stars, including Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Colman Domingo, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and director Jon M. Chu, are all slated to attend the premiere. Unfortunately, this is yet another unexpected hiccup in the promotional tour for "Wicked: For Good." Grande was unable to attend the first premiere in São Paulo, Brazil, on November 4 due to airplane mechanical issues. Last week, while in Singapore, Grande was grabbed by a man who jumped over the barricades onto the carpet – with Erivo swiftly intervening to push the man away from her co-star.
On Saturday, Erivo spoke about their "Wicked" journey during a conversation moderated by Variety's Clayton Davis. "We've been through some challenges," she said. "I mean, even this past week has been a doozy, let's be real."
Erivo and Grande had also attended the Governors Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night. Erivo presented Debbie Allen with her honorary Oscar, while Grande walked the red carpet and spoke to some members of the press, including Variety.
"For Good" marks a year since the first "Wicked" movie was released. The film went on to gross over $746 million worldwide and received 10 Oscar nominations, including acting nods for Grande and Erivo as well as one for best picture. The second and final movie sees Elphaba (Erivo) continuing her crusade against the Wizard (Goldblum), while Glinda's (Grande) popularity soars as she prepares to marry Fiyero (Bailey).
"Wicked: For Good" is set to hit theaters on November 21.
