Cynthia Erivo has opened up about her deep and meaningful friendship with pop superstar Ariana Grande during an emotional appearance on Australia’s The Project on Wednesday night.
The powerhouse performer, who stars alongside Grande in the highly-anticipated Wicked film, spoke candidly about the trust and creative connection they’ve built behind the scenes.
‘I really appreciate and treasure her opinion,’ Cynthia Erivo said when asked about her bond with Ariana.
‘I trust her – like what she hears, I trust it. If I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m not sure about this,’ I’ll send it to her and ask, ‘Have a listen to this, what do you think?’ Because not many people are made like her.’
Cynthia Erivo went on to say the two artists share a rare understanding of one another, especially when it comes to their creativity.
‘She understands how I’m made. I understand how she’s made musically and creatively. So to be able to share some of that work has been really, really wonderful actually. She’s one of a kind,’ Cynthia Erivo said.
Their close friendship blossomed while filming the two-part movie adaptation of the Broadway hit Wicked, in which Cynthia plays Elphaba and Ariana portrays Glinda.
Elsewhere in the interview, the Oscar-nominated actress reflected on self-growth and the importance of setting boundaries in both personal and professional life.
‘Self-advocacy starts with knowing who you are – not in anyone else’s eyes, but your own,’ she shared.
‘Then there’s the scary thing of going, ‘I think there are some relationships I need to let go of.’ Becoming brave enough to make the changes you need in your life to get what you want – not just in your work or creativity, but also in the people you allow around you.’
Cynthia’s insight comes just months before Universal Pictures dropped the first trailer for Wicked: For Good.
The sequel will hit cinemas on November 21, with a first look at the movie conclusion of the Broadway hit teasing the fate of the protagonists and a first look at new characters.
The sequel follows Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship after Elphaba was banished from Oz.
Elphaba is living in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz’s silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth about The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum).
Glinda, meanwhile, has become the symbol of Goodness for all of Oz, living at the palace in Emerald City and reveling in the perks of fame and popularity as she prepares to tie the knot with Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey).
She is also working under the instruction of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) to convince the citizens of Oz that they have nothing to fear when it comes to The Wizard.
Yet behind the scenes, Glinda is attempting to reconcile Elphaba and The Wizard, which only results in her being drawn further apart from her friend.
As a result Boq (Ethan Slater) and Fiyero are set to be changed forever, while the safety of Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode) comes into question.
Just as tensions in Oz reach an all time high, a girl from Kansas comes crashing into all their lives.
Fans went wild at the first glimpse of Dorothy – who was seen walking along the yellow brick road with the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and Scarecrow.