Ariana Grande is publicly supporting Cynthia Erivo following the absence of nominations for Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba in the upcoming film adaptation of 'Wicked'. Grande, who previously played Glinda in the Broadway musical and the 2014 film, expressed her admiration for Erivo’s work in a recent interview with Variety.

“I really love the work,” Grande stated. “I love getting to know the little mental map of a person – what makes them tick, what makes them hurt, what makes them happy.” She emphasized that understanding a character's motivations and complexities is a rewarding process.

Grande specifically addressed Erivo’s performance, saying, “Her Elphaba will be adored for generations. That can't be taken away from her.” This statement comes after Erivo did not receive nominations for major awards despite anticipation surrounding her role.

The film 'Wicked', based on the popular Broadway musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, is set to be released in two parts, with the first installment arriving in November 2024. The story follows the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned girl destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda, who later becomes Glinda the Good Witch. Grande previously starred as Glinda in the 2014 film adaptation alongside Kristen Chenoweth.

Grande’s endorsement of Erivo underscores the significant fan interest and excitement surrounding the new 'Wicked' film and highlights the dedication of both actresses to their respective roles. The film is expected to continue the legacy of the beloved musical and introduce a new generation to the story of Elphaba and Glinda.