Ariana Grande Thinks HerWickedCharacter 'Might Be a Little in the Closet': 'You Never Know'

Mar. 15, 2025

Ariana Granda and Cynthia Erivo in “Wicked”.Photo:Universal Pictures

L to R: Ariana Granda is Glinda and Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in WICKED, directed by Jon M. Chu

Universal Pictures

Ariana Grandethinks there might be more to Glinda’s story inWicked.

While she and costarCynthia Erivospoke to U.K. outletGay Times, they were asked about fans who root for their lead characters, Glinda and Elphaba, as a romantic duo.

“I think Elphie, she goes wherever the wind blows,” said Erivo, 37, of her green witch. “I think she loves Glinda. I think she loves love. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with celebrating the deep connection that both of them have.”

“They do have a real relationship. It is true love, which is probably why people are shipping it, you know?” added Erivo. “Because what they build with each other is an unbreakable bond and love.”

Added Grande, 31, “And trust and truth. Just such a safe space for one another, which is what all relationships should be, whether it’s romantic or platonic… Glinda might be a little in the closet. You never know! Give it a little more time.”

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande on Nov. 14, 2024.John Nacion/Variety/Getty

Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande at the “Wicked” New York Screening hosted by Anna Wintour at the Museum of Modern Art on November 14, 2024 in New York, New York.

John Nacion/Variety/Getty

“I mean, it is just a true love, and I think that transcends sexuality,” said the singer, who plays the popular Shiz University student who is forced to be roommates with Elphaba in the film before they ultimately build a friendship. “It’s just kind of a deep safety within each other. And that’s why [fans] probably why they ship it.”

In anotherinterview with GLAAD, the actresses were asked what they wanted LGBTQ audiences to take away fromWicked, which is set in the fantasy world ofThe Wizard of Oz.

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Said Erivo, “That you deserve all the good things. That your difference is what makes you special. That your queerness is beautiful. That I love you. Elphaba is just like you, and she understands what it feels like to be alone and to feel different, but that doesn’t make you any less special than you were born to be.”

Grande said in that interview, “Oz is a very queer place and has always been, even from the L. Frank Baum books. It’s always been queer.”

Wickedis in theaters Nov. 22.

source: people.com