Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Each Contracted COVID Days Before Their BiggestWickedMusical Numbers

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande on Oct. 19.Photo:Emma McIntyre/Getty Emma McIntyre/Getty Cynthia ErivoandAriana Grandehad their work cut out for them filmingWicked. And the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t help. “There was one time when I got Covid, there was another time when she got Covid,” Erivo, 37, revealed toThe New York Timesin an interview published Wednesday, Nov. 6. Not only that, recalled Grande, 31, but each actress contracted the virus in the days before filming their biggest musical numbers: Erivo, who plays Elphaba, future Wicked Witch of the West, sings the climactic act one closer “Defying Gravity,” while Grande as Glinda the Good Witch performs the bubbly “Popular.

Cynthia Erivo and Whoopi Goldberg Adorably Hold Hands Throughout Entire Red Carpet Interview at the 2025 Oscars

Cynthia Erivo and Whoopi Goldberg at the 2025 Oscars.Photo:ABC ABC Cynthia ErivoandWhoopi Goldbergare Oscars besties. The two adorably held each other’s hands while speaking with ABC’s George Pennacchio ahead of the97th Academy Awards, discussing the ceremony’shighly-anticipatedWickedperformanceas well as Erivo’s new single “Replay.” Erivo, 38, did not offer many details about what audiences can expect from her andWickedco-star Ariana Grande except to say, “When you see it, you will know.” Goldberg, 69, helpfully popped in to add, “Just be patient!

Cynthia Erivo Attends the Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards, Plus Ariana Grande, Angelina Jolie and More

Here, are the best photos of celebs out and about this week. Come back tomorrow for more of the latest A-list outings! 01of 120Shining MomentCynthia Erivo.David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via GettyCynthia Erivo dazzles on the red carpet at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards on Jan. 3 in Palm Springs, California. 01of 120 Shining Moment Cynthia Erivo.David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Cynthia Erivo dazzles on the red carpet at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards on Jan.

Cynthia Erivo Is Wicked Cool at 2025 SAG Awards in a Fringe Givenchy Gown Worn by Model Debra Shaw in 1997

Cynthia Erivocontinues to bringwickedlyfabulous fashion to the red carpet. The dress featured multiple statement-making elements, including fringe on the collar and bell sleeves, plus a billowing back and an inverse train at the front. She also wore silver heels to create a seamless monochromatic moment. Cynthia Erivo in archival Ginvechy.David Fisher/Shutterstock David Fisher/Shutterstock Erivo leveled up her ensemble with an impressive selection of Bucherer Fine Jewellery. One of her rings featured an octagonal cut emerald while another boasted a cushion-cut intense yellow diamond.

Cynthia Erivo Pushed for Elphaba to Have Micro-Braids inWickedto Make a 'Direct Connection' to Her as a Black Woman

Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in ‘Wicked’.Photo:Universal Pictures Universal Pictures Cynthia Erivois opening up about the special nuances she brought to her character inWicked. “I asked if we could reimagine that hair as micro-braids because I knew you’d still have the movement, and you could still have the length, but there was a texture that was slightly different to what you would normally see on stage," the Grammy winner said. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) in “Wicked”.