Ariana Grande Tests COVID-Positive Amid ‘Wicked’ Promotions

Ariana Grande has tested positive for COVID during the midst of her promotional schedule for Wicked: For Good. The singer and actor confirmed the news through an Instagram story, sharing an image from her appearance on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon alongside the caption, “Moments before Covid.” Her diagnosis comes shortly after she was noticeably absent from interview segments at the New York premiere of the film, which had already raised questions about her health.

Cynthia Erivo, her co-star in the film, also recently revealed that she has been unwell, sharing that she lost her voice. Although both stars tested positive at different times, this is not the first instance where their health issues coincided. During the production of the first Wicked film, Erivo tested positive just days before filming the iconic “Defying Gravity,” while Grande’s earlier diagnosis occurred shortly before shooting “Popular.”

Due to the current COVID diagnosis, Grande has pulled out of a scheduled taped appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show and will miss several upcoming Q&A sessions tied to the film’s release. The cast has been involved in an intense promotional run in recent days, making her absence particularly noticeable.

Wicked: For Good, directed by Jon M. Chu and set for release on November 21, continues the story of Glinda and Elphaba following the events of the first film. Ariana Grande returns as Glinda, portrayed as the luminous face of goodness in Emerald City, while Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba faces growing hostility from the authorities of Oz. Branded as the Wicked Witch and forced into exile, she remains determined to expose the truth about The Wizard, played by Jeff Goldblum.

Despite the temporary disruption caused by the positive COVID tests, promotions for the highly anticipated film are expected to resume once the cast members fully recover. With its legacy, large fanbase, and expanded storyline, Wicked: For Good continues to be one of the year’s most awaited global releases.