By World Licence 
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have become icons in cinema and musical theater, but their partnership on the Wicked musical film goes beyond just their talent in front of the camera. The two actresses shared fascinating insights into how they worked hand-in-hand to ensure an equal collaboration, both creatively and financially, during the two-part project’s production.
In a joint interview published on January 2, 2025, by Variety, Grande and Erivo discussed their shared commitment to securing equal pay throughout the production process. This act of solidarity and transparency is rare in an industry where pay disparities persist, particularly between men and women.
Ariana Grande, 31, explained that from the outset of the project, she and Cynthia Erivo took the time to go through their contracts and discuss them together. “We went through our contracts together and called each other,” Ariana shared. “We were like, ‘Did you see this? What do you think? Let’s meet up.’” This gesture of transparency and mutual support ensured that both artists were on equal footing, both creatively and financially.
Cynthia Erivo, 37, added: “We’ve both been through situations like this: ‘What number are we doing? What do you think?’ We were really honest, and that’s really rare. People don’t do that.” By openly sharing their concerns and opinions, the two actresses created an open communication space, strengthening their partnership and highlighting the importance of solidarity in the entertainment industry.
Beyond the pay issue, what truly sets this collaboration apart is the authenticity with which the two actresses support and understand one another. Speaking about their differences, Grande explained that despite their distinct personalities, they were able to adapt to each other’s needs: “Her needs [became] my needs while I was working on the project,” she said. This genuine bond allowed the team to stay united and focused on a common goal: delivering a performance that respected the artistic vision of the project while ensuring a healthy and respectful work environment.
Erivo echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the reciprocity in their professional relationship was crucial: “And her needs become mine.” This reflection underscores the importance of a professional relationship where empathy and listening are essential. This model of collaboration is a true example of what it means to be equal in a work environment, taking into account not only financial aspects but also emotional and creative ones.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s commitment to equal pay highlights an ongoing issue in the entertainment industry. Recent studies show that women, particularly in the arts, continue to earn less than their male counterparts. While progress has been made in recent years, disparities persist, especially in leading roles.
By choosing to act together, Grande and Erivo are sending a powerful message to the industry: transparency and cooperation among artists can be powerful tools in combating inequality. Their approach serves as a model and proves that women, while competitive in a demanding environment like Hollywood, can also support one another in advancing important causes.
The partnership between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo goes beyond mere professional collaboration. Beyond the financial aspect, their friendship and mutual respect seem to be at the heart of their work together. Such an authentic relationship is rare in the industry and shows that kindness and solidarity can be powerful drivers of collective success.
“When you’re this close, you can sit down with someone and immediately dive into the deepest conversations, which are the only type of relationships I love having,” Amber Tamblyn shared in an interview about her own friendships with the actresses of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. A similar approach seems to be at the core of the relationship between Grande and Erivo, who, while continuing their respective careers, share common values around collaboration and respect.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are not only stars in cinema and music. They are powerful examples of what it means to work together to ensure gender equality in a sometimes challenging and unequal industry. Their collaboration on Wicked serves as a reminder that female solidarity and transparency can—and should—play a crucial role in building a more just and equal industry.
By showing the importance of defending one’s rights while respecting the needs of others, they are paving the way for a new generation of artists who aspire to build professional relationships based on fairness, transparency, and collaboration. A work model for all to follow.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, two powerhouse women in the entertainment industry, have set an inspiring example of equality and collaboration during the production of Wicked. In a recent interview, the actresses revealed how they worked together to ensure equal pay and transparency throughout the filming process. They openly discussed their contracts and supported each other in their professional decisions, emphasizing mutual respect and empathy. Their partnership showcases the importance of solidarity between women in Hollywood and demonstrates how transparency and cooperation can combat industry inequalities. Through their shared commitment to fairness, Grande and Erivo are paving the way for future generations of artists to build relationships based on equality, respect, and collaboration.
