While filming "Wicked," Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were facing their own challenges, battling COVID-19 as they geared up for their important musical numbers.
During a recent conversation with The New York Times, Grande and Erivo disclosed that they both contracted an illness before Erivo performs "Defying Gravity" and Grande's rendition of "Popular."
Erivo told the publication, "'There was one time when I got Covid, there was another time when she got Covid," while Grande revealed, "We only got sick once each, but both were before some of the most important works of the whole movie."
The "Thank U Next" singer continued, "I came to set with a mask on my final days of recovery ... no one liked this joke but I loved it so I'll tell it."
"We were in the dorm room together and I sang in her ear, 'Positive, you're going to be positive! But I wasn't positive anymore, don't worry! I took the test.'"
In reflecting on her experience, Erivo shared her belief that contracting the virus when she did was simply a twist of destiny.
New teaser for Wicked pic.twitter.com/zFNn2GwNn0
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Delays were also encountered during the filming of "Wicked" due to the entertainment industry labor strikes that occurred last year. Despite the setbacks, Erivo expressed that initially, it seemed like a disruption, but as time passed, it became a much-needed break.
After putting in tireless effort, they said that everybody was exhausted and felt a deep appreciation knowing that their next task was to tackle "Defying Gravity" as if "it like the universe going, 'You need your full strength to do this,'" Erivo said.
Grande and Erivo also explained they effortlessly slipped back into character, as they shared that reconnecting with their roles was a seamless process.
Grande explained, "It was funny though because no matter how much time passed, the second we got back into those clothes, the characters were right there with us."
"We cried every minute, every hour. We both were in a horrible state for a few days. We brought our corsets home and our shoes and our wands. I still have all of my wigs."
Expressing affection for her character Elphaba, Erivo stressed her love for the role. Both she and Grande acknowledged that they would find fulfillment if their performances in the upcoming movies became synonymous with their careers.
"Wicked: Part One" will be released on November 22, 2024 whereas its sequel will hit theaters next year.
