The Wicked: For Good press tour just took another disastrous turn as Ariana Grande reveals she's tested positive for COVID-19, marking the latest in a string of setbacks for the highly anticipated musical sequel.
In a candid Instagram Story posted Thursday, Grande shared a behind-the-scenes photo from her Tuesday appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon with the caption "moments before Covid." The timing couldn't be worse—her diagnosis comes mere days before the film's theatrical release and immediately after co-star Cynthia Erivo lost her voice at the New York premiere.
The pop superstar has been forced to cancel several key promotional appearances, including a joint segment on The Kelly Clarkson Show with Erivo and multiple fan Q&A sessions scheduled across New York City. Sources close to the production confirmed Grande is experiencing symptoms and is following medical guidelines for isolation.
Déjà Vu: When COVID Struck Wicked For Good During Filming
This isn't the first time the Wicked franchise has battled COVID complications. During production of the first film, both lead actresses tested positive at critical moments. Cynthia Erivo contracted the virus just days before filming the iconic "Defying Gravity" sequence, while Ariana Grande was diagnosed shortly before shooting "Popular," forcing production delays. The pair previously told The New York Times these were "some of the most important works of the whole movie," making the timing particularly devastating for the shooting schedule.
The road to Oz has been anything but smooth. Here's every major setback the Wicked: For Good promotional tour has faced:
November 4: Brazil Premiere Cancellation
Grande missed the São Paulo premiere entirely due to what Universal Pictures called a "safety issue" with her private plane. The unexplained mechanical problem grounded the star, triggering fan backlash across social media.
November 13: Singapore Fan Attack
In a genuinely terrifying moment, 26-year-old Australian national Johnson Wen jumped barricades and rushed at Grande on the red carpet. Cynthia Erivo immediately sprang into action, physically pushing the man away before security intervened. Wen was arrested and later sentenced to nine days in jail after pleading guilty to public nuisance charges.
November 20: Grande's COVID Revelation
The final blow came when Grande confirmed her positive test, effectively ending the press tour on a sour note.
Box Office Projections: Wicked For Good Defies the Drama
Despite the promotional nightmares, Wicked: For Good is tracking for a monstrous opening weekend. Industry analysts project the sequel will earn between $150-180 million from 4,000 North American theaters, potentially making it the year's biggest debut.
The original Wicked film shattered records for Broadway adaptations with $112.5 million over Thanksgiving weekend 2024, eventually grossing $758 million worldwide. Early reviews for the sequel have been glowing, with critics praising Grande's "delicate and doll-like" Glinda and Erivo's "black-belt screen presence" as Elphaba.
What's Next for Wicked For Good?
The film officially hits theaters Friday, November 21, 2025. While Grande recovers from COVID and Erivo rests her voice, the movie's success seems virtually guaranteed by rabid fan anticipation.
At the New York premiere, Grande remained optimistic despite the chaos, telling reporters, "We are so grateful. We are great. Cynthia's great, too," as Erivo gave a thumbs up.
Will you be seeing Wicked: For Good opening weekend? Have you bought your tickets yet? Sound off in the comments below!