Cynthia Erivo pays sweet tribute to Ariana Grande after London reunion

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have once again reminded fans why their friendship remains one of the most beloved bonds to come out of Wicked. The longtime co-stars reunited onstage in London, creating an emotional moment that quickly became one of the highlights of Grande’s Eternal Sunshine Tour. 

On August 16, Erivo surprised fans at London’s O2 Arena when she joined Grande during the second night of the singer’s London shows. The pair performed “For Good,” the emotional Wicked song that has become closely associated with their characters, Elphaba and Glinda. They also treated the audience to the “Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again” medley. 

The reunion was especially meaningful because it marked their first live performance together since the 2025 television special Wicked: One Wonderful Night. Their return to the stage together brought back memories of their years working on the two Wicked movies and the friendship they developed away from the spotlight. 

Erivo has previously spoken warmly about singing with Grande, describing her as one of the few people she genuinely loves performing alongside. She explained that she does not often want to sing with other people, but Grande is different because their voices and energy naturally complement one another. 

That affection was clear during their London reunion. The two stars embraced onstage, while Grande was also seen kissing Erivo’s hand, adding another tender moment to the performance. Their chemistry once again reminded audiences of the special connection they built while bringing Elphaba and Glinda to life. 

Their friendship has faced plenty of public speculation over the years. However, Erivo has repeatedly made it clear that their bond is genuine. In a 2026 interview, she discussed how people struggled to understand the closeness between two women and emphasized that deep, platonic female friendships are real. 

The London reunion therefore felt like more than just another surprise concert appearance. It was a celebration of music, friendship and the lasting impact of Wicked. For fans who have followed Erivo and Grande since the beginning of their journey as Elphaba and Glinda, seeing them share the stage again was a particularly touching reminder that their connection continues long after the cameras stop rolling.