Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Commemorate Wicked Roles with Matching Tattoos
In a heartwarming display of camaraderie and commitment, Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo recently shared the touching way they are celebrating their roles in the upcoming film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. During an interview with SiriusXM Hits 1 LA with hosts Tony Fly and Symon, the two actresses revealed that they’ve inked several matching tattoos to mark their journey together in the production.
Ariana Grande, who plays the good-hearted Glinda, and Erivo, who takes on the role of the misunderstood Elphaba, didn’t hold back in sharing their enthusiasm for the project and their lasting connection. Erivo elaborated on their matching tattoos, revealing that the duo has “For Good” tattooed on their palms, symbolizing the famous duet between Glinda and Elphaba—a song that reflects the unlikely but strong friendship between the two characters. Beyond “For Good,” the stars also have other symbolic tattoos, some of which are a nod to the Wicked story’s unique elements, while others remain private, adding a personal touch to their memories of the production.
In addition to the lyrics, both stars embraced the iconic Wicked poppy flower motif for another tattoo. This detail draws on the history of the Wizard of Oz universe, as the poppies first appeared in the 1939 MGM classic when Dorothy falls asleep in a field of the flowers. “We have our poppies,” Grande noted, highlighting how the tattoo choice echoes scenes from Wicked as well, bringing the legacy of Oz full circle for the two actresses.
Jon M. Chu, the film’s director, was reportedly both surprised and impressed by the commitment. Grande recounted Chu’s reaction to their ink, describing how he called the two “hardcore” and “intense” for taking the leap before the film had even wrapped. “He was like, ‘We’re not even done yet,’” Grande recalled. Although momentarily questioning if it was premature, both actresses were ultimately unfazed, with Erivo adding confidently, “It is what it is. It’s here.” Grande chimed in, saying, “It’s on us,” making it clear that they were all-in on the journey.
The depth of their friendship extends beyond the set, too. With production wrapped, Grande and Erivo still stay connected through lengthy FaceTime calls, often lasting up to five hours. Erivo affectionately dubbed these “ridiculous” marathon sessions, with Grande joking that sometimes Erivo might want to hang up, only for Erivo to encourage her to “keep going.” Their hours-long conversations, often during nail appointments, serve as a testament to the deep bond they’ve formed, with Grande describing their chats as “the best.”
Beyond the ink and the endless calls, the two have also found ways to honor their characters’ personalities. Grande has an illustration of Glinda from L. Frank Baum’s original Wizard of Oz book, while Erivo has inked one of Elphaba’s memorable lines, “Maybe some of us are just different.”
With their personal connections to the roles and each other, the tattoos are more than just ink—they’re a lasting reminder of the journey they’ve shared, one that will stay with them “For Good.”
