After months of intense public appearances together, Cynthia Erivo has finally addressed the speculation surrounding her close bond with Ariana Grande.
The two stars, who worked closely on the film adaptation of Wicked and its sequel Wicked: For Good, sparked romance rumors after repeatedly appearing affectionate during press tours — holding hands, standing face-to-face on red carpets, and sharing emotional moments in interviews.
“It’s Just a Close Friendship”
Speaking to Stylist, Erivo dismissed the romantic speculation.
“At first, I think people couldn’t understand how two women could be close friends — deeply close — and not be romantically involved,” she explained.
She added that there was a “strange fascination” with their connection, with some people assuming their affection was staged for cameras, while others believed they were secretly in love.
Erivo pointed out that society rarely sees intimate, platonic female friendships displayed openly in public spaces.
“There aren’t enough conversations about deep, real platonic female friendships — even though they exist everywhere. We’re just not used to seeing that on camera.”
Grande: “I Channel Energy Through My Hands”
Grande has also addressed their affectionate public dynamic. During an appearance on the Good Hang with Amy Poehler, she admitted she often expresses support physically.
“Yes, I channel a lot of energy through my hands. I’m always holding a hand,” she said, explaining that the gesture is simply her way of offering comfort and grounding.
A Protective Moment in Singapore
Their friendship was further highlighted during the Asia-Pacific premiere of Wicked: For Good in Singapore, when Erivo reportedly stepped in to shield Grande from an overzealous fan. Grande later described the moment as sweet and supportive, saying she felt protected and cared for.
Despite ongoing online chatter, both stars remain clear: their connection is deep, emotional, and platonic.
In a world quick to label closeness as romance, Erivo and Grande are redefining what visible, supportive female friendship can look like — especially under the spotlight.
