Ariana Grande is being forced to sit out the Wicked: For Good premiere in São Paulo, Brazil.
Grande took to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday morning to announce that travel issues were the reason she will miss the Nov. 4 premiere of the highly anticipated film. “Brazil, I can’t believe this is happening and I am beyond devastated to be sending this message,” the star wrote. “A few hours ago, my team and I had to deplane our flight, as they had to do maintenance on the plane due to a safety issue and it will not be taking off until 1 a.m. tomorrow.”
She continued: “My team and Universal have tried every single thing possible to fix this. We’ve searched every other flight, overnight, early morning, connecting flights, commercial and also private options and absolutely nothing was available or possible that would get us there in time. Even in attempting a private option, there is a permit necessary in order to fly from here that takes time to attain.”
The Eternal Sunshine singer also explained how “heartbroken” she is that she’s unable to attend the Brazil event. “We sincerely tried everything we could and I apologize from the bottom of my heart,” she wrote. “Please shower my incredible castmates with all of the love that I wish I could be showering you with and have the most beautiful celebration.”
Wicked, the film adaptation of the classic Broadway musical, was released last year and is directed by Jon M. Chu. Grande plays Glinda the Good Witch (originated by Kristin Chenoweth) while Cynthia Erivo portrays Elphaba, the Green-skinned protagonist (first played by Idina Menzel). Other castmembers include Jonathan Bailey as Prince Fiyero, Ethan Slater as Boq, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Marissa Bode as Elphaba’s sister Nessarose, Bowen Yang as Pfannee and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard.
At the 2024 Oscars, the picture was nominated for 10 trophies and won two: best costume design and production design. The part two film, Wicked: For Good, hits theaters Nov. 21, and its next slated premieres include Paris on Nov. 7, London on Nov. 10, Singapore on Nov. 13 and New York City on Nov. 17.
