Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s Most Cringe-Worthy Moments From the Wicked Tour

The Wicked tour was supposed to be a magical journey, blending the powerhouse talents of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in a retelling of one of Broadway’s most beloved tales. However, fans and insiders have noted that not all moments were picture-perfect. From awkward interactions to missteps that left audiences cringing, the tour has been rife with moments that sparked endless conversations online.

Here, we break down the most awkward, cringe-worthy incidents between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo that made fans go, “Did that really happen?”

1. The Strained Chemistry During Interviews

One of the first signs of tension between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo came during promotional interviews for Wicked. In joint appearances, their body language sparked widespread speculation. While Erivo maintained a composed demeanor, Grande seemed overly bubbly, occasionally interrupting or overshadowing her co-star’s responses. Fans noted the stark contrast between their energies, describing the dynamic as “forced” and “uncomfortable.”

Social media was quick to pick up on clips where Erivo’s polite smiles seemed to hide frustration, leading to viral memes and heated discussions about their compatibility as co-leads.

2. The Infamous “Vocal Warm-Up” Incident

During one behind-the-scenes clip that surfaced on social media, Ariana and Cynthia were filmed warming up their voices. While both are incredible vocalists in their own right, the video highlighted a clash in styles.

Erivo, known for her operatic precision, appeared focused and professional. Grande, on the other hand, opted for her signature riffs and runs, which some fans found excessive in the context. The awkward moment occurred when Erivo paused mid-practice, seemingly annoyed by Grande’s improvisations. While no words were exchanged, the tension was palpable.

3. A Wardrobe Mishap That Escalated

During one performance, Ariana Grande’s costume reportedly malfunctioned, causing a delay in the show. According to insiders, Cynthia Erivo had already expressed frustration over the tour’s tight schedule, and this incident added fuel to the fire.

Although Grande eventually laughed off the wardrobe blunder, Erivo was spotted backstage with a stern expression. Fans speculated that this mishap may have caused a temporary rift between the two stars, especially given the added stress of performing in live theater.

4. The Social Media Snub

Social media plays a significant role in modern celebrity culture, and fans noticed a glaring absence: Cynthia Erivo rarely interacted with or mentioned Ariana Grande on platforms like Instagram or Twitter. Meanwhile, Grande frequently posted behind-the-scenes content featuring the cast but rarely included Erivo.

This lack of mutual acknowledgment led to speculation about offstage tension, with some fans accusing the stars of passive-aggressively avoiding each other online.

5. The Misjudged Fan Event

During a fan meet-and-greet, Ariana and Cynthia were asked about their favorite moments working together. Grande launched into a lighthearted anecdote, but when it was Erivo’s turn to speak, she seemed hesitant, ultimately offering a generic response. The awkward silence that followed was deafening, leaving fans at the event whispering about their apparent lack of camaraderie.

This incident fueled rumors that their relationship was more professional than friendly, casting a shadow over their public appearances.

6. Contrasting Work Styles on Set

Insiders reported that one source of tension between Ariana and Cynthia was their contrasting approaches to rehearsals. Grande, a seasoned pop star, reportedly preferred a more relaxed, improvisational style, while Erivo, with her classical theater background, adhered strictly to schedules and processes.

These differences allegedly caused friction during group scenes, with Erivo growing frustrated over what she saw as a lack of discipline from Grande. Though neither addressed this publicly, whispers of “creative differences” spread quickly among fans.

7. The Awkward Onstage Hug

One of the most talked-about moments came during a curtain call, where Cynthia went in for a hug, and Ariana appeared caught off guard. The awkward exchange, captured on video, showed Grande hesitating before giving a half-hearted embrace.

The clip went viral, with fans dissecting every second of the encounter. While some chalked it up to nerves, others viewed it as a sign of deeper issues between the two.

8. Conflicting Diva Rumors

Both stars have their fair share of admirers and critics, but on the Wicked tour, rumors of diva behavior reportedly clashed. Sources claimed that Grande requested special accommodations, including a personal glam squad and specific dressing room requirements. Meanwhile, Erivo, known for her no-nonsense work ethic, reportedly viewed such demands as excessive.

These alleged personality clashes were said to create tension behind the scenes, though both stars maintained a professional front during public appearances.

9. The Uncomfortable Birthday Shoutout

During one performance, the cast surprised Cynthia Erivo with a birthday shoutout. While the gesture was sweet, fans noticed Ariana Grande’s reaction was lukewarm. Rather than joining the applause or offering heartfelt words, she simply smiled and clapped briefly.

Observers couldn’t help but wonder if this moment reflected underlying strain, adding fuel to the speculation about their strained relationship.

10. Fans Take Sides

As rumors and awkward moments continued to circulate, fans began taking sides. Some staunchly defended Ariana Grande, attributing the tension to Erivo’s allegedly serious demeanor. Others rallied behind Erivo, praising her professionalism and suggesting Grande’s pop-star background clashed with the demands of theater.

This division among fans further amplified the drama, turning every small interaction into a topic of heated debate.

11. Public Statements That Missed the Mark

When questioned about their working relationship, both stars offered diplomatic but noticeably vague responses. Grande described the experience as “exciting” and “challenging,” while Erivo referred to it as “a journey.”

These neutral comments left fans unsatisfied, with many interpreting the lack of enthusiasm as confirmation of behind-the-scenes tension.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Wicked?

Despite these awkward and cringe-worthy moments, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo remain two of the most talented performers of their generation. Their differences may have sparked uncomfortable situations, but they also highlight the diverse personalities that contribute to a production like Wicked.

While the tour may be remembered for its drama as much as its music, fans hope the stars can find common ground and deliver performances that do justice to the iconic story of Elphaba and Glinda.

FAQs

1. Were Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo friends before Wicked?

There’s no evidence to suggest that Grande and Erivo had a close relationship before Wicked. Their differing backgrounds may have contributed to the reported tension.

2. Did either star address the rumors of conflict?

Neither Ariana nor Cynthia has publicly commented on the rumors, choosing instead to focus on promoting the tour.

3. What do fans think about their performances?

While some fans praise their individual talents, others feel that their lack of chemistry detracts from the overall experience.

4. Will they collaborate again in the future?

It’s uncertain whether Grande and Erivo will work together again. However, their combined star power ensures that Wicked will remain a hot topic for years to come.