Ariana Grande Contracts COVID Following Successful Wicked For Good Press Tour

Ariana Grande has recently tested positive for COVID-19, just as the promotional tour for “Wicked: For Good” concludes. She announced her diagnosis via an Instagram story, sharing a snapshot from her appearance on “The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon” along with the caption, “moments before Covid.”

Press Tour Developments

This news follows Grande’s decision to forgo interviews at the “Wicked: For Good” premiere in New York. She opted to support her co-star, Cynthia Erivo, who was unwell and had lost her voice. Due to her positive COVID test, Grande has also withdrawn from a scheduled appearance alongside Erivo on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Consequently, Erivo will address the segment solo.

Impact on Promotional Activities

Grande’s illness has implications for upcoming Q&A events regarding “Wicked: For Good.” Interestingly, both actresses have experienced COVID-19 during the film’s production, though at different times. Erivo contracted the virus shortly before filming the iconic scene “Defying Gravity,” while Grande tested positive right before shooting “Popular.”

Press Tour Challenges

The promotional campaign for “Wicked: For Good” has faced several challenges since its launch earlier this month. Grande was absent from the inaugural premiere in Brazil, and during the celebrations in Singapore, a fan breached barriers to approach her. Erivo quickly intervened to protect Grande during the incident.

Box Office Expectations

• The “Wicked: For Good” film is projected to generate between $150 million and $180 million during its opening weekend in North America.
• This could potentially surpass April’s “A Minecraft Movie,” which earned $162 million, and May’s “Lilo & Stitch” remake with $146 million.
• The original “Wicked” film achieved $112.5 million, establishing a record for stage-to-screen adaptations during the pre-Thanksgiving weekend.

At the New York premiere, as Grande hurried down the red carpet, she expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are so grateful. We are great. Cynthia’s great, too,” while Erivo gave a supportive thumbs up.

“Wicked: For Good” is set to hit theaters tomorrow, November 21.