“I’ve heard it all… it’s hard to protect yourself from that noise. I’ve been in the public eye since I was 16 or 17. It’s uncomfortable no matter the scale. I’m really lucky to have a support system and to know and trust that I’m beautiful.”
Scaling Back Appearances
As COVID-related health concerns forced Grande and Erivo to skip events, rumors swirled online. Universal Pictures confirmed the pair would not participate in interviews at certain stops, noting that Erivo had lost her voice. The stars did appear briefly for a livestream segment, during which Grande joked about stepping in for her co-star.
Grande’s COVID diagnosis was officially shared via Instagram on Nov. 20, where she posted a screenshot from The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon taping two days prior with the caption, “moments before Covid.” The illness forced her to cancel appearances, including a scheduled spot on The Kelly Clarkson Show, leaving Erivo to carry the torch at remaining events.
Happy Birthday, Ariana Grande 👑🩷 pic.twitter.com/idmwQaR7jc
— Wicked: For Good (@wickedmovie) June 26, 2024
Family Support
Grande’s brother, Frankie, 42, shared the first public update on her condition, reassuring fans that she was recovering well.
“She’s doing well. As her brother, I send her all the love and healing vibes in the world… We’ve all had COVID at this point. We know she’s going to be fine.”
This isn’t the first time COVID impacted the Wicked cast. During the original 2024 blockbuster rollout, both Grande and Erivo contracted the virus just before filming key scenes, adding a challenging layer to an already intense production schedule.
Despite the hurdles, Grande remains focused, supported, and on track to return to her fans and the spotlight.
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