The Wicked: For Good press tour was nothing short of chaotic, packed with meme-worthy, eyebrow-raising moments that may have even outdone 2024’s promotional run for the first Wicked film.
Image credits: Rich Polk/Variety
With Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande once again at the center of the spectacle, the sequel’s global tour has delivered viral clips, awkward interactions, and even a few concerning on-ground incidents where the pop star found herself the unexpected target.
Image credits: SALLY
The upcoming sequel, based on the Tony-winning Broadway musical, continues the reimagined saga of Elphaba and Glinda, while also bringing back franchise stars like Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, and more.
And while the film is all set to hit theaters on November 21, 2025, the movie itself isn’t the only thing sparking conversation.
Image credits: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
So, here are 5 utterly “bizarre” and genuinely concerning moments that turned the Wicked: For Good press tour into a spectacle of its own.
#1 Cynthia Erivo Kissing Ariana Grande’s Arm
@phxplosion via ig:@lemmedrawyou #phxplosion ♬ som original – PhXplosion
#2 Fans Cringe At Ariana And Cynthia’s Awkward Aura Chat
During the Paris premiere on November 7, Ariana and the 38-year-old British star found themselves in an unexpectedly intimate moment when a reporter asked them to describe each other’s “auras” in colors.
The question at first caught them off guard; however, soon after, without hesitation, the Boy Is Mine singer described Erivo as “yellow, like sunshine,” before adding, “I think there’s a little purple [too].”
But the exchange took a slightly awkward turn when Ariana suddenly panicked, putting her hand to her forehead and blurting out, “Not purple… Did I just say that Cynthia Erivo’s aura was purple?!”
When it was Cynthia’s turn, she offered a much more “specific” palette, calling Ariana “ciel blue… like aqua. And like, sunset-orange.”
This moment was quickly labeled “cringeworthy” and “trying too hard,” with one user expressing his frustration, commenting, “I can’t go through this again.”
Another added, “They’re trying to go viral again with the same shenanigans.”
“They’re sweet and all but this annoys tf out of me!!”
Video credits: ELLE Germany
#3 Ariana Pleads With Photographers To “Go Easy”
@apnewsentertainment Ariana Grande quiets red carpet photographers at the New York premiere of “Wicked: For Good”: “This is so peaceful, see?” #arianagrande #wicked #wickedforgood #cynthiaerivo ♬ original sound – AP Entertainment
#4 Ariana Gets Lunged At During Singapore Premiere
Cynthia Erivo protecting Ariana Grande from a ‘Wicked: For Good’ premiere attendee. pic.twitter.com/eTLokr9py3
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) November 13, 2025
#5 The Pop Star Skips Interviews In Solidarity With Cynthia
During the film’s final premiere in New York City on November 17, both Ariana and Cynthia ditched almost all red-carpet interviews.
Despite interviews being a crucial part of any film’s promotional tour, the stars stood “in solidarity” after Cynthia reportedly suffered a sudden health scare.
Just hours before the premiere, Universal informed the press that the duo would not be participating, stating, “Cynthia is not feeling well and has lost her voice.”
“Therefore she and Ariana will not be doing interviews this evening.”
While their co-stars carried on with the usual press duties, the two leads posed only for photos, firmly holding hands as they walked the carpet.
During the official livestream, Grande became the spokesperson for her ill co-star, telling the host, “I’m not letting her speak. She has to rest her voice!”
But the internet wasn’t buying it, with critics quickly accusing the pair of being “oddly codependent.”
One user dubbed them “the year’s most toxic couple,” while another sarcastically mocked their work ethic, writing, “My co worker called in sick today, so out of respect I too will not be working today….”
© Photo: SALLY