Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande: Relationship Explained

If you’ve spent any time online during the past year, you’ve probably seen the memes, the speculation, and the endless questions about Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The two Wicked co-stars became internet gold when fans noticed how physically affectionate they were during press events. Now, with both women publicly addressing the rumors, the truth is finally out: they’re just very close friends. Here’s what actually happened—and why the speculation says more about us than it does about them.

Co-stars in: Wicked · Performed at: Oscars · Grammy win for: Defying Gravity · Recent interviews: Addressing rumors · Promotion period: Wicked soundtrack

The following table summarizes key facts about their collaboration and public statements regarding the friendship rumors.

What is the relationship between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo?

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are co-stars who played Elphaba and Glinda in the two-part Wicked film adaptation. Their on-screen chemistry translated into a genuine friendship off-screen, one they describe as a “beautiful sistership” that grew during months of intense rehearsal and filming together.

Friendship origins

The bond between Erivo and Grande was established during rehearsals for Wicked, where the two spent extensive time together learning their roles. According to interviews, their connection deepened through the demanding process of bringing the beloved musical to life. Cynthia Erivo has been romantically linked to Lena Waithe since 2018, while Ariana Grande began dating Ethan Slater, her Wicked co-star, in 2023 after both separated from their respective spouses.

Public perceptions

During the Wicked and Wicked: For Good press tours, fans questioned whether Cynthia and Ariana were codependent or more than friends. The speculation intensified as the two were frequently side-by-side during press events and red carpets. In an interview with Stylist Magazine, Cynthia Erivo confirmed that her relationship with Ariana Grande is entirely platonic.

Official statements

Cynthia Erivo addressed the speculation directly: “At first, I think people didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends—close—and not lovers.” She noted that people either thought they were putting on a performance for cameras or were secret lovers. Erivo attributed the speculation to a lack of societal conversation around deep platonic female friendships.

Why are Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande so touchy?

Several viral moments between Cynthia and Ariana during the press tour showed them in physical contact, sparking romance speculation. Fans noticed Erivo adjusting Grande’s outfit on multiple occasions, sometimes when it did not appear to need adjusting. The pair held hands during interviews and appeared visibly affectionate on red carpets.

Red carpet moments

The close connection between Cynthia and Ariana was evident throughout the Wicked press tour. They appeared together in interviews during the Wicked press tour in London, where they opened up about bodyshaming, being judged, criticized, and pressured during their time in the spotlight.

Interview explanations

Ariana Grande discussed their connection on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, explaining her tendency to hold hands and channel energy through physical contact. “I channel a lot of energy through my hands. And so I’m always holding a hand,” Grande stated on the podcast. She explained she channels support and energy through physical contact with others.

Cultural context

Cynthia Erivo noted that society is not taught that deep platonic relationships between women are good for us. “We’re not used to seeing it on camera, in front of people. A relationship where people are connected sometimes just makes people uncomfortable,” Erivo stated. She emphasized that there is little conversation around platonic female friendship that is deep and real, despite it existing everywhere.

Why are Cynthia and Ariana no longer friends?

There is no evidence of a fallout between Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Despite rumors of distance, both women have confirmed they remain in contact. The speculation about them no longer being friends appears to stem from reduced public appearances together following the conclusion of the Wicked press tour.

Rumor origins

The romance rumors between Cynthia and Ariana emerged despite both being in confirmed relationships with other people. Fans who had grown accustomed to seeing them together constantly during the press tour misinterpreted their reduced public appearances as evidence of a rift.

Recent updates

In a post-press tour interview, Cynthia Erivo confirmed she is still in touch with Ariana, stating that “Ari is in L.A. currently.” The friendship continues, just without the constant public visibility that characterized the Wicked promotion period.

Still in touch

Erivo stated she has never really spoken about the speculation surrounding her and Ariana’s relationship before her Stylist Magazine interview. The fact that she addressed it directly, rather than ignoring it, demonstrates the friendship remains important to her.

Why is Cynthia Erivo always with Ariana Grande?

Cynthia Erivo isn’t “always” with Ariana Grande—the perception stems from the intensive Wicked promotion schedule that kept them together for months. During that period, it was natural for the two leads to appear side-by-side at virtually every event, interview, and photo opportunity.

Wicked promotions

The Wicked films required an extensive promotional tour spanning multiple countries and numerous media appearances. As the two leads, Erivo and Grande were featured together at virtually every event. This promotional intensity created the impression of constant togetherness.

Event appearances

During the 2025 Oscars, both women performed “Defying Gravity” together, winning a Grammy for their work on the soundtrack. This high-profile performance was part of their contractual and promotional obligations as the film’s stars, not a personal choice to be constantly together.

Bond during filming

The close connection between Cynthia and Ariana was established during rehearsals for Wicked. Months of working together on such an emotionally demanding project naturally creates deep bonds. Their described “beautiful sistership” grew organically from this shared experience.

The pattern reveals that intense professional collaborations often produce lasting friendships, but the promotional machinery of Hollywood can distort public perception of those relationships. The pattern reveals that intense professional collaborations often produce lasting friendships, but the promotional machinery of Hollywood can distort public perception of those relationships, as explored in our piece on We Didn’t Start The Fire.

Is Cynthia Erivo in a relationship?

Cynthia Erivo has been romantically linked to Lena Waithe since 2018, though they have not publicly confirmed their relationship. Erivo has maintained privacy about her personal life while focusing on her career.

Personal life rumors

The rumors connecting Erivo romantically to Ariana Grande have been denied. Erivo addressed whether she was “lovers” with Ariana directly, confirming their relationship is purely platonic. The speculation apparently arose from fans misunderstanding the nature of close female friendships.

Addresses speculation

Cynthia Erivo spoke extensively about the speculation for the first time in her Stylist Magazine interview. She explained that the public fascination with her and Ariana surprised her, as she viewed their friendship as entirely normal.

Focus on career

Erivo has continued to pursue demanding projects following Wicked, maintaining her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers. Her friendship with Grande remains part of her life, but her identity is not defined by any single relationship.

The catch: Erivo’s emphasis on platonic friendship highlights how cultural assumptions about close female relationships often default to romantic interpretation when evidence actually suggests otherwise.

Related reading: Kathy Bates Movies and TV Shows · Cast of The Lost Bus

Their on-set chemistry as Elphaba and Glinda, rooted in Wicked roles and friendship, has fueled endless speculation about a deeper personal connection.

Frequently asked questions