What pact did Cynthia Erivo make with Ariana Grande? Actress opens up about friendship with 'Wicked' co-star in new memoir

Cynthia Erivo opens up about the secret pact she made with Ariana Grande while bringing Wicked to the big screen, revealing how the two actresses vowed to keep their egos in check and lift each other.

In her new memoir, Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They’re Too Much, the British singer-actress reflected on her journey starring in the Jon M. Chu-helmed fantasy film next to Grande.

She writes:

"Before 'Wicked' really started rolling, Ariana and I made a pact with each other. We committed to protecting and caring for each other through this process."

Cynthia Erivo explains:

"We hear often how female costars —­ or really, any costars —­ can sometimes let their egos get in the way until they battle each other, destroying the creative process for everyone involved. We were determined to do the opposite."

This led the two actresses to seal a promise as they formed a bond in and outside their famed roles as Elphaba and Glinda.

"We were always looking out for each other. Our partnership was important. We shared a strong synergy, a commitment to authenticity, and that, combined with the natural connection we fostered both on and off set, allowed us to support each other emotionally and professionally."

READ: What did Cynthia Erivo say about the 'Wicked: For Good' premiere incident? Star reflects on growth and friendship with Ariana Grande

Erivo writes further in her book:

"The fact that we were consistently there for the other, over time, built deep trust. And that trust and togetherness created a level of honesty and intimacy that allowed us to actually make a film as special as this one."

Cynthia Erivo's memoir, Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They’re Too Much, released on Nov. 20, 2025 under Flatiron Books, is now up for grabs as a physical book and audiobook.

Cynthia Erivo on singing with Ariana Grande for the first time: "It was astonishing"

Under the "Make A Pact" chapter, the "Dancing Through Life" songstress shares that her first meeting with Grande was over a dinner with Chu, alongside the team involved in bringing the Broadway musical Wicked to the silver screen.

Present at the table were producer Marc Platt, screenwriters Dana Fox and Winnie Holzman, music director Stephen Oremus, and composer Stephen Schwartz, who played the piano when Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were asked to sing together for the first time.

At the time, Erivo found chemistry with the pop superstar after they chose the piece "For Good" for their spotaneous duet.

"It was astonishing. Our two very distinct voices somehow found each other and became one."

The "Fly Before You Fall" hitmaker adds in her memoir:

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"If we could sing like that without having done it before, if we could make magic with absolutely no practice, if we could combine our voices this powerfully in front of a room of people —­ with nothing, no makeup, no costumes — then we could really do this."

READ: What did Rachel Zegler say about Cynthia Erivo hugging Shrek? Actress shares playful take on the 'Wicked' star's post

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