On Wicked premiere day, Ariana Grande thanked her fans for their “patience” with her as she “disappeared” into the project.
A sentimental woman.
Ariana Grande took the opportunity on Wicked premiere day to thank her fans for their patience while she stepped away from the spotlight and into the years-long project.
“to my sweet, sweet fans,” she wrote on her Instagram Story Nov. 22. “i’m feeling incredibly emotional today (who’s surprised?) and i wanted to just thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“often when we meet in person, you tell me that you’ve grown up with me or about the impact that my work has had on your life,” Ariana continued, “but i feel like i don’t really get the chance to tell you enough about the impact that you’ve had on mine.”
The 31-year-old went on to say, “i want to tell you how grateful i am for the many ways in which you’ve held me over the years…. you have held my hand and helped mend my heart time and time again over the past ten years and i would never be here without you. i mean that in every way you can interpret it.”
The “One Last Time” singer also addressed how much of her time was consumed by filming both parts of Wicked—which started shooting in December 2022, but didn’t wrap until January 2024—and then also promoting it.
“thank you for your patience with me,” Ariana shared. “i know i disappeared into this project for a long, long time (i believe you called it ‘the drought’!) and i know that was hard for you all. i want to thank you for your fierce protection, your passion, and your ability to see me and love me as i evolve alongside all of you.”
Ariana Grande/InstagramThe Nickelodeon alum concluded the tribute to her fans by making a vow to always appreciate their dedication to her.
“i will never take your love, support or the irrevocable connection that we share for granted,” she wrote. “from the days of doing many hour long meet n greets in the garage, when it was just us, til i am old lady Peaches, i will love you this same way.”
Ariana—who still managed to release a new album, Eternal Sunshine, amid her demanding Wicked schedule—warned fans back in July that it would be all things Wicked from her for the foreseeable future.
“I love you all so much,” she said at the time. “I have decided to put a temporary pin in all things that are not Wicked for now.”
Ariana also showed love to her fellow Wicked cast and crew members with a slideshow of images that included behind-the-scenes photos with Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey and boyfriend Ethan Slater, among others.
“like a handprint on my heart,” she captioned the Nov. 22 Instagram post. “happy Wicked day to all.”
Keep reading for more about Ariana and Wicked.
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesComing Attractions
Presenting together at the 2024 Oscars in March, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were already teasing what was in store from the first installment of Wicked, coming to theaters Nov. 22.
Erivo, who plays green-hued “bad” witch Elphaba, looked ready for both the red carpet and battle in leather Louis Vuitton with reptilian ruffles down the back. And Grande, who costars as “good” witch Glinda, channeled old Hollywood glam in a powder-pink Giambattista Valli Haute Couture column gown magically accented with enough fabric to provide a peplum, a stole, a bustle and a train all at once.
David Becker/WireImageThey Know About Popular
The Wicked train chugged into CinemaCon in April with Grande all aboard in a white and pink Oscar de la Renta minidress that resembled a blooming flower, while Erivo sported a green and silver Versace ensemble, including fierce thigh-high satin boots.
Not the colors of dear old Shiz, but she has an open invitation to play Quidditch for Slytherin.
JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty ImagesTrès Chic
Gold for best dressed went to team Wicked at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the costars were spotted at multiple events.
But first, they kicked off the Games at the July 26 Opening Ceremony, Erivo in a strapless green Louis Vuitton gown with a gravity-defying silhouette and Grande in a drop-waist powder-pink Thom Browne dress that would’ve made Audrey Hepburn proud.
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Academy Museum of Motion PicturesWhere Troubles Melt Like Lemon Drops
Erivo, who also performed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at the event, looked wickedly good in a glittering emerald gown by Naeem Khan at the 2024 Academy Museum of Motion Pictures 4th Annual Gala on Oct. 19.
Another popular choice: Grande’s leather-trimmed polka dot ball gown courtesy of Balmain.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Universal PicturesCoat of Many Colors
Erivo accessorized her T-shirt and cropped jeans with bright-green pumps and a patterned Louis Vuitton coat at an Oct. 28 screening of Wicked at the DGA Theater in New York.
Grande looked ready for her first day of witch university in a cream-colored button-down vest and matching skirt by Atelier Versace.
Noam Galai/Getty Images for WSJ. Magazine Innovators AwardsPeas in a Pod
It’s unclear if Grande floated to the WSJ. Magazine 2024 Innovator Awards inside a magical bubble, but her delicately embroidered white Vivienne Westwood gown was fit for such a journey.
Meanwhile, Erivo’s Erdem dress—gray pinstripes overlaid with embellished green silk—was Land of Oz meets Wall Street.
Saverio Marfia/Getty ImagesGood Witch of the North
Grande went full Glinda at the Nov. 3 Australian premiere of Wicked in a pink Vivienne Westwood ball gown.
Don Arnold/WireImageFar From Basic
Erivo leaned into Elphaba’s wicked future at the premiere in a black Louis Vuitton strapless gown, accessorized with a massive lion’s head choker and another bedazzled green manicure.
“I love this outfit so much because it speaks to my character,” the British actress told Vogue Australia before heading to the red carpet (or, in this case, yellow brick road). “It reminds me of wings and defying gravity.”
Brendon Thorne/Getty ImagesEvery Look There Is or Was
Erivo cast yet another spell at the Nov. 5 Wicked photocall in Australia, this time in an emerald and black Marc Jacobs blouse paired with a black embroidered skirt.
And for her last trick: Dividing the eye’s attention between her dainty fascinator and the towering multistrap Mary Jane platforms that added at least 6 inches to her 5-foot-1 frame.
