Cynthia Erivo takes dig at actresses who auditioned for ‘Wicked’: ‘Thank goodness’ Ariana Grande was cast as Glinda

Cynthia Erivo is grateful Ariana Grande was formed arsenic Glinda successful “Wicked.”

“Thank goodness, because it was not nan 2 ladies that I was auditioning with,” Erivo told nan New York Times erstwhile asked astir her guidance to nan popular superstar’s casting.

The “We Can’t Be Friends” vocalist had a akin reply successful nan question and reply published Wednesday.

“Thank God,” Grande recalled saying erstwhile she and Erivo were announced arsenic Glinda and Elphaba, respectfully.

Grande, 31, and Erivo, 37, were formed successful “Wicked” successful 2021 and quickly formed a tight enslaved arsenic accumulation started.

During their chat pinch nan New York Times, they recalled spending their days disconnected from filming hanging retired astatine each other’s homes, shopping and moreover getting tattoos.

“I deliberation that was 1 of my astir cherished parts of this experience: I felt held and for illustration I had a friend each measurement of nan way,” nan “Positions” songstress explained.

“I’m really proud of america for really genuinely we took attraction of each different passim this full time.”

Grande besides sewage affectional while reflecting connected really nan “Harriet” prima helped her turn arsenic a person.

“I consciousness really inspired by her fierce expertise to beryllium truthful and protect herself,” she said pinch tears successful her eyes.

“Just by being astir her, I person go much of an state to myself erstwhile I utilized to do a batch of self-abandoning, and I really do in installments that to our friendship.”

Erivo shared a akin sentiment astir Grande, saying she helped her judge successful herself.

“I don’t deliberation it was up until I met her that I was like, ‘Oh, I deliberation I tin person what I want successful this lifetime, and I tin person it successful my way,'” she said.

“She’s really held my manus each nan measurement done it and wants it for maine conscionable arsenic overmuch arsenic I want for myself.”

This isn’t nan first clip nan brace has spoken positively astir their friendship.

In October, Erivo revealed their filming pact to debar drama during an quality connected Scott Evans’ “House Guest” YouTube series.

“She and I were like, we person to activity together. So, connected nan days erstwhile we request to opportunity a mates of nos, we return turns,” she explained. “You opportunity nary sometimes. I opportunity nary sometimes.”

“We built a existent business … betwixt nan 2 of us.”

While stepping nan steps astatine nan Met Gala together successful May, nan “Victorious” alum praised Erivo for nan measurement she “humanizes” Elphaba successful nan film.

“Wicked,” which is adapted from nan long-running Broadway musical, premiered successful Sydney connected Sunday. The formed will observe its premiere successful Los Angeles this weekend.

The movie will deed theaters connected Nov. 22.