especially meaningful

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo reunite 9 months after their last performance together


Their reunion also pushes back against speculation that the pair had become less close after Wicked promotional cycle


© Getty Images for Universal Pictu
Shirley GomezSenior Writer
AUGUST 18, 2026 11:51 AM EDT

Ariana Grande had a major surprise waiting for fans during her latest London concert, and it came straight from the world of Wicked. Grande reunited with Cynthia Erivo onstage at The O2 Arena on Sunday, August 16, during the second London show of her Eternal Sunshine Tour. 

Erivo’s unexpected appearance transformed the concert encore into a full-fledged Wicked reunion, with the longtime co-stars performing two songs together. 

Cynthia Erivo (L) and Ariana Grande on April 02, 2025© WireImage
Cynthia Erivo (L) and Ariana Grande on April 02, 2025

Grande, 33, and Erivo, 39, first performed “For Good,” the emotional Wicked number closely associated with their characters Glinda and Elphaba. They then followed it with “Get Happy / Happy Days Are Here Again,” the medley they previously performed together for the 2025 television special Wicked: One Wonderful Night. 

The surprise was especially meaningful because it marked the first time Grande and Erivo had performed together since that November 2025 TV special. 

Grande and Erivo’s relationship became nearly as closely watched as their performances while they promoted Wicked.© WireImage for Universal Pictures
Grande and Erivo’s relationship became nearly as closely watched as their performances while they promoted Wicked.

Ariana Grande Brings Cynthia Erivo Onstage in London

Erivo joined Grande during the encore of her August 16 concert, after Grande performed “Hate That I Made You Love Me.” The pair embraced onstage before delivering their duets to the O2 crowd. 

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It was a natural extension of the musical partnership fans watched develop through the two Wicked films. Grande starred as Glinda opposite Erivo’s Elphaba in 2024’s Wicked and the 2025 sequel Wicked: For Good.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande attend the "Wicked: For Good!" New York Premiere© Getty Images
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande attend the "Wicked: For Good!" New York Premiere

Their performances earned both actresses Academy Award nominations following the first movie, further establishing the two stars as one of the most recognizable musical pairings of recent years. 

Cynthia Erivo Had Already Teased Her Ariana Grande Concert Plans

Perhaps the biggest clue that a Grande-Erivo reunion could happen came weeks before the London show.

Erivo had previously confirmed that she planned to attend one of Grande’s UK Eternal Sunshine Tour concerts. Her comments also pushed back against speculation that the pair had become less close after completing the intense Wicked promotional cycle. 

Erivo is at the center of the hype thanks to her role as Elphaba in the beloved “Wicked” film.© Getty Images
Cynthia Erivo during the red carpet for the movie "Wicked: For Good"

Their Wicked Friendship Is Still Going Strong

Grande and Erivo’s relationship became nearly as closely watched as their performances while they promoted Wicked. Their emotional interviews, frequent hand-holding and open expressions of affection repeatedly generated conversation online. Both women have continued to describe their friendship as close even after finishing the movies and their promotional commitments.

Erivo recently dismissed suggestions that she and Grande “barely speak,” making clear that the friendship continued beyond Wicked. She also spoke positively about Grande’s music and revealed that she planned to see the singer perform in the UK. 

What Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Wore at the O2

The reunion also delivered a subtle Glinda-and-Elphaba fashion moment, although the stars did not simply recreate their movie costumes. Grande performed in a white Givenchy couture look with Christian Louboutin boots, while Erivo appeared in a pale pink embellished Erdem ensemble paired with black thigh-high Louboutin boots. 

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Ariana Grande’s London Concerts Mark the Final Tour Stop

The Cynthia Erivo surprise arrived during an important stretch of Grande’s tour.

London is the final city on the Eternal Sunshine Tour, and Grande is scheduled to perform a total of 10 shows at The O2, concluding on September 1.