Ariana Grande recently faced an unexpected challenge during her busy schedule promoting “Wicked: For Good.” After dedicating several weeks to the tour, she revealed that she has fallen ill, with a positive test result putting a pause on her plans for the remaining tour dates.
The spotlight has been on Ariana, especially after noticeable changes in her appearance sparked conversations. These developments came just as “Wicked: For Good,” the much-awaited continuation of the first “Wicked” movie, prepared to reach audiences worldwide.
The film brings together Grande and Cynthia Erivo, portraying their iconic roles as the enchanting witches of Oz. The premiere events kicked off in major cities like London, Singapore, and New York, drawing fans and media alike.
Upsets on the Tour
However, the journey hasn’t been smooth. Earlier on, Ariana missed the Brazil premiere due to unforeseen aircraft issues, as reported by People.
The tour faced another hiccup in Singapore. During the premiere, Ariana encountered an alarming incident on the red carpet. A man attempted to grab her, as captured on video, but Cynthia Erivo intervened bravely, stepping in to protect Ariana. Authorities swiftly intervened, and the individual responsible, 26-year-old Johnson Wen, received a sentence of nine days in jail, as per The New York Times.
Talk Around Ariana’s Appearance
Even before the tour kicked off, Ariana’s changing physique became a topic of discussion. The buzz around her slimmer appearance intensified as she made headlines leading up to the film’s debut. Eventually, she decided to address the rumors head-on.
In a December 2024 interview, she shared, “I’ve heard every story under the sun about what’s wrong with me. You fix one rumor, and another pops up. It’s tough to stay above it all,” she noted, explaining the difficulty of dealing with constant public scrutiny since her teenage years.
She confided, “Being in the public eye is a bit like being a specimen under a microscope. Despite this, I’m blessed to have a strong support network that reinforces my self-worth.”
Event Changes and Health Concerns
As both Ariana and her co-star started missing engagements, fans became curious. “Unfortunately, Cynthia is not well and has lost her voice, so neither she nor Ariana will give interviews tonight,” announced Universal Pictures. They withheld details of Ariana’s ailment, according to People.
Both stars managed brief appearances on red carpets and during a livestream segment, where Ariana jokingly said, “I’m the one doing all the talking for us,” as Cynthia nodded, still recovering.
COVID-19 Update
On November 18, Ariana appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Just two days after her appearance on the show, she took to Instagram Stories, revealing that she had tested positive for COVID-19. She posted a screenshot from the taping, humorously captioning it “moments before Covid.”
This diagnosis required her to halt her participation in “Wicked: For Good” events, including a planned visit to The Kelly Clarkson Show, and step back from future engagements related to the movie. In her stead, a now healthier Cynthia Erivo continues to represent their team at various events.
Family and Recovery
In the wake of her diagnosis, Ariana has kept a low profile, with her brother Frankie Grande giving fans the first glimpse into her recovery.
“She’s doing well,” Frankie shared with E! News. “As her big brother, I’m sending all my love and healing energy her way. She’s been working so hard.” He added, “We’ve all had our encounters with COVID by now. We know she’ll bounce back fine.”
History with the Virus
This isn’t Ariana and Cynthia’s first encounter with COVID related to “Wicked.” During the original film’s promotions in 2024, both stars caught the virus just days before key scenes. Then, it was a challenging moment, as Grande mentioned to The New York Times, noting how it came before some of the most pivotal portions of the movie.
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