Ariana Grande continues to demonstrate her professionalism and kindness behind the scenes, solidifying her reputation as not only a talented performer but also a supportive and considerate colleague. During a recent SAG-AFTRA Foundation event, Grande shared how she made sure that she and her Wicked co-star, Cynthia Erivo, were treated equally from the start. Grande revealed that before signing their contracts for the film, she reached out to Erivo to carefully review their respective terms, ensuring that both stars were aligned and had mutual understanding about the roles.
Their collaborative approach extended beyond the contractual aspects. Grande emphasized that her mindset throughout the process was about mutual support: “If [Erivo needs] something, we need it together… Your problems become my problems and mine become yours.” She compared their bond to that of their characters, Glinda and Elphaba, from Wicked, echoing the idea of always having each other’s backs.
This behind-the-scenes support came in response to a rumor earlier this month about a pay disparity between the two. While it was reported that Grande earned significantly more than Erivo, Universal quickly dismissed the claims as false, stating that both actresses were paid the same amount. The company refrained from revealing specific figures but affirmed the equality in their compensation.
Beyond the professional collaboration, Grande also expressed deep gratitude for the personal connection she shares with Erivo, which blossomed before they even stepped onto set. The bond between them has been evident during their press tour for Wicked, with both women frequently showing their emotional connection, often tearing up together during interviews. Their sincere friendship and mutual respect have become central to the film’s promotional efforts, making their time on screen feel even more genuine.
The pair’s chemistry extends to their fashion choices as well, where they’ve opted for chic but understated outfits for recent press appearances, contrasting with the iconic pink and green tones representing their characters. Their success is also reflected in their Golden Globe nominations, with Grande earning a nod for Supporting Actress and Erivo being recognized in the Leading Actress category. Fans are excited to see where this partnership takes them, hoping they will continue to shine both on and off the red carpet.