The dazzling premiere ofWicked: For Goodhas been shadowed by unexpected challenges for Ariana Grande. Just as the film arrived in theaters, igniting excitement for a return to Oz, news surfaced of a positive Covid-19 test for the star.
Grande, who has been immersed in a whirlwind promotional tour alongside co-star Cynthia Erivo, shared the news with a simple, poignant post on social media: a black-and-white image from a recent appearance, captioned “Moments before Covid.” Details regarding her symptoms remain private.
The diagnosis forces Grande to pause her commitments, including several planned Q&A sessions and a highly anticipated interview onThe Kelly Clarkson Show. The promotional schedule, already demanding, now faces further disruption.
This setback comes on the heels of Erivo’s own vocal struggles. During a recent appearance onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Erivo playfully described her voice issues, acknowledging Grande’s temporary absence with a lighthearted, “She’s still missing in action, but she’s there…she’s kind of sexy.”
The road to the premiere hasn’t been smooth. Grande was previously distressed by travel complications that prevented her from attending the São Paulo, Brazil premiere, raising concerns about safety.
A more alarming incident occurred during a red carpet event in Singapore. A fan breached security, rushing towards Grande in a startling moment captured on video. Erivo reacted instantly, bravely stepping in to shield her friend from the unexpected encounter.
The swift intervention of Erivo, along with fellow cast member Michelle Yeoh, prevented a more serious situation. Security personnel quickly apprehended the individual, who was later sentenced to nine days in jail for his actions.
The incident underscored the intense fervor surrounding the film and the dedication of the cast to protect one another amidst the pressures of a global press tour. Despite the hurdles, the magic ofWicked: For Goodcontinues to captivate audiences worldwide.
