The peculiar red carpet dynamic between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo has once again captured public attention, with resurfaced footage from their Wicked promotional tour dividing fans and sparking widespread discussion online.
The Necklace Adjustment That Raised Eyebrows
During a promotional interview for the first Wicked film, a viral clip shows Cynthia Erivo, 38, abruptly stopping the conversation to adjust co-star Ariana Grande's diamond necklace for an extended period. The 32-year-old pop star appeared amused as Erivo manipulated the jewellery, claiming something wasn't quite right with its positioning.
Grande explained to the interviewer: 'Something is bothering her, she's going to fix something. I know her.' As Erivo continued twisting the necklace, showing the clasp before returning it to its original position, Grande added: 'She's getting the fixing itch that Cynthia Erivo gets.'
Social media reactions were largely critical, with one Reddit user commenting: 'Girl okay there was nothing wrong with her necklace to be doing all that. She literally turned it the wrong way and back to where it was just so she could be more involved in the interview.'
Pattern of Unconventional Interactions
This isn't the first time the co-stars' red carpet behaviour has generated buzz. During the Wicked: For Good premiere in Paris, the pair engaged in what many described as an over-the-top exchange about each other's 'auras'.
When asked by an Elle magazine journalist to describe their spiritual energies, Grande claimed Erivo's aura was 'yellow' like 'sunshine' with hints of purple. Erivo reciprocated by describing Grande's aura as 'ciel blue' and 'sunset-orange'.
Another memorable moment occurred during an Out Magazine interview where the pair discussed Wicked's closing number, Defying Gravity. The emotional exchange saw Grande clasping Erivo's index finger while the journalist spoke about fans 'holding space' with the lyrics.
Erivo later addressed this moment in a GQ interview, describing it as 'an innocent moment of confusion and human reaction'. She revealed: 'I received one thing, Ari received another, and Tracy [the journalist] said something but probably meant to say something else.'
Recent Events and Security Concerns
The co-stars recently attended the 16th Governors Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, where Grande stunned in a pale pink vintage Dior gown while Erivo rocked a dramatic Givenchy coat dress with fringe trim.
The week proved challenging for Grande, who reportedly experienced a 'PTSD spiral' after being ambushed by a fan during the Singapore premiere of Wicked: For Good. In concerning footage, Erivo and security personnel intervened when a man identified as Johnson Wen jumped a barrier and grabbed the singer-actress.
This incident has prompted discussions about celebrity security protocols, particularly after Erivo - herself a vulnerable public figure - was first to defend Grande before bodyguards reached the scene.
As anticipation builds for Wicked: For Good's cinema release on November 21, the co-stars' unconventional promotional style continues to generate both criticism and fascination among audiences worldwide.
