Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Debut Matching “For Good” Tattoos in Emotional Tribute to Their Unbreakable Friendship and Upcoming Wicked Film
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s friendship has officially reached a new level — one that’s permanent, meaningful, and deeply symbolic of the journey they’ve shared while bringing Wicked to life. The two powerhouse performers, who star as Glinda and Elphaba in the upcoming film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, revealed that they’ve gotten matching tattoos that read “For Good,” a heartfelt tribute to the iconic duet from the show and the emotional bond they formed during filming.
The tattoos, inked delicately on the inside of their hands, are simple yet deeply personal — a nod to the song that represents friendship, transformation, and gratitude. It’s a fitting gesture for two artists whose real-life connection mirrors the story of Glinda and Elphaba, two women who start as rivals but ultimately change each other’s lives forever.
Fans first caught a glimpse of the tattoos when Ariana shared a black-and-white image on her Instagram Story, showing both her and Cynthia’s palms marked with the same words: For Good. The post instantly went viral, with fans calling it “the sweetest friendship moment of the year.” Cynthia later reshared the image, adding a green heart emoji — a subtle wink to her character Elphaba’s signature color.
For both women, the tattoo symbolizes more than just a movie collaboration. It’s a reminder of how much they’ve grown together through a project that has taken years to complete. Director Jon M. Chu began production on Wicked in 2022, and from the start, Ariana and Cynthia’s chemistry both on and off set became a cornerstone of the film’s magic. Their friendship was forged through long rehearsals, emotional performances, and a shared understanding of what Wicked means to millions of fans around the world.
In interviews, both stars have spoken about the emotional weight of their roles. Ariana, who grew up idolizing Wicked and has performed its songs since childhood, described the experience as a dream come true. “Playing Glinda is something I’ve wished for my entire life,” she told Variety. “It’s been the most transformative, fulfilling, and emotional experience I could ever imagine.”
Cynthia echoed those sentiments, calling her time as Elphaba “a once-in-a-lifetime journey.” The actress, who first made her mark on Broadway with her Tony-winning performance in The Color Purple, has said that working alongside Ariana was one of the most inspiring experiences of her career. “We have a real love and respect for each other,” Cynthia said. “We hold each other up, we laugh, we cry — it’s been beautiful.”
That mutual support has been evident since the earliest days of production. Cast and crew members have described the two as inseparable, often spotted sharing quiet moments between takes or rehearsing harmonies long after filming wrapped for the day. Their friendship, built on authenticity and shared passion, has drawn praise from fans and co-stars alike.
The “For Good” tattoo is particularly poignant because of the song’s place in the story. In Wicked, Glinda and Elphaba sing it as a farewell — a recognition of how deeply they’ve impacted each other’s lives. The lyrics, “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good,” have resonated with audiences for two decades, becoming an anthem of love and transformation. For Ariana and Cynthia, it seems the words carry personal weight, too.
Sources close to the production say that the final days of filming were filled with emotion, with the cast reportedly in tears as they wrapped the “For Good” scene. “It was one of those moments where everyone felt the gravity of what we’d created,” one crew member shared. “Ariana and Cynthia hugged for the longest time after the take. You could feel how much it meant to them.”
Their decision to commemorate that connection with matching tattoos feels natural for two artists known for wearing their hearts on their sleeves — or in this case, on their palms. Ariana, who has over 50 tattoos, has always chosen meaningful designs that reflect her personal milestones, from small tributes to her late ex-boyfriend Mac Miller to nods to her musical inspirations. Cynthia, too, has tattoos that tell stories, including ones celebrating her roots, achievements, and personal growth.
The friendship between the two stars has also been a refreshing example of mutual support in an industry often plagued by comparisons and rivalries. Fans have celebrated their sisterhood as something genuine and empowering. On social media, Ariana frequently praises Cynthia’s talent and kindness, calling her “my Elphie forever,” while Cynthia has described Ariana as “a light” and “the most generous scene partner.”
As anticipation builds for Wicked, which will be released in two parts — with Wicked: Part One hitting theaters in November 2024 — the tattoo has become a powerful symbol of what this project represents for both women. It’s not just a movie; it’s a shared milestone in their artistic and emotional journeys.
Behind the scenes, the making of Wicked was no small feat. Filmed primarily in the U.K., the production required months of vocal training, choreography, and emotional preparation. The scale of the film — from elaborate sets to intricate costumes — pushed everyone involved to their creative limits. But according to those close to the project, it also created a deep sense of unity among the cast, with Ariana and Cynthia’s friendship at its heart.
In an Instagram post celebrating the film’s completion earlier this year, Ariana wrote, “To my brilliant sister Cynthia, I love you endlessly. You’ve taught me so much about strength, grace, and artistry. I can’t imagine this journey without you.” Cynthia responded in kind, saying, “My Glinda, you are pure magic. Thank you for being my partner in this. We are changed for good.”
That exchange, along with their matching tattoos, has only amplified excitement for the film, which is expected to be one of the most anticipated musical releases in years. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the first full trailer, and with the new tattoos making headlines, it’s clear that the bond between these two women is as powerful as the story they’re telling.
For Ariana, Wicked marks a defining chapter in her evolution as an artist. After years of chart-topping success in pop music, the role of Glinda is a return to her theatrical roots. She began performing in musicals as a child and has often said that Broadway shaped her as both a singer and storyteller. Playing Glinda allows her to merge her vocal power with the emotional depth of live performance — and she’s taken the responsibility seriously. “This story means so much to so many people,” she said. “I just hope we make them proud.”
For Cynthia, Wicked is another opportunity to showcase her versatility and soul-stirring talent. With an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony already to her name, the actress is well on her way to EGOT status. Yet, despite her accolades, she’s approached this project with humility and heart. “It’s not about awards,” she said. “It’s about telling this story in the most honest way possible — and doing justice to these women’s journey.”
Their shared tattoo, then, is more than ink. It’s a quiet declaration — that art can build real bonds, that friendship can flourish in the most unexpected places, and that some experiences, like Wicked, truly change you “for good.”
In an era where Hollywood friendships often feel fleeting or performative, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s connection stands out as something rare: two women supporting, celebrating, and inspiring each other without pretense. Their tattoos might be small, but their message is enormous — a testament to the beauty of creative sisterhood and the lasting power of art.
