Pop superstar Ariana Grande is publicly supporting Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba in the upcoming film adaptation of 'Wicked' after the actress received no nominations for recent awards. Grande voiced Glinda in the recent film adaptation and expressed her admiration for Erivo’s performance, stating her Elphaba “will be adored for generations. That can't be taken away.”

Grande’s comments came after Erivo was notably absent from nominations for several prestigious awards, sparking discussion about the recognition of her work. The actress has been widely praised for her vocal talent and stage presence in various roles, including originating the role of Celie Harris Johnson in 'The Color Purple' on Broadway.

The upcoming 'Wicked' film, directed by Jon M. Chu, is a highly anticipated prequel to the 2003 musical and the 1939 film 'The Wizard of Oz.' It tells the story of Elphaba and Glinda, exploring their friendship and the events leading up to the characters’ iconic roles in Oz. Grande starred as Glinda in the 2024 film, alongside Michelle Yeoh.

Grande’s support underscores the excitement surrounding Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba and the film’s potential impact. The actress’s talent and dedication to the role are evident, and Grande’s endorsement highlights the belief that Erivo’s Elphaba will resonate with audiences for years to come. The film is scheduled for release in two parts, with the first part arriving in theaters on November 27, 2024, and the second part on November 9, 2025.