Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Went Through ‘Evil’ Contracts ‘Together’

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo weren’t just in sync on Evil seen – but also before the filming.

The actresses revealed in an interview with Black announced on Thursday, January 2 that after being cast as the two leads in the film, they worked together to ensure that both their needs were met on set.

“We reviewed our contracts together and called each other. ‘Did you see that? What do you think about it? Let’s do it together!’” Grande, 31, recalled to the outlet.

“We both went through it — ‘What number are we doing? How do you feel about it?’ We were really f—— honest,” added Erivo, 37. “And that’s really rare. People don’t.”

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo attend the ‘Journey Through Oz’ tour at the State Theater on November 3, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.

Don Arnold/WireImage


The “We Can’t Be Friends” singer noted that she wanted to make sure her co-star was as happy with the final contract as she was — and teased that she may have changed some things to make sure they both were happy.

“We’re very different, but when we do something like this together, her needs become my needs,” Grande said.

“And her needs will be mine,” Erivo replied.

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Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba respectively in ‘Wicked’.

Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures


This comes a few months after rumors circulated online that the stars of the Jon M. Chu-led film had a big disparity in their payments for the film, with some reports speculating that Grande was paid $15 million, while Erivo was paid $1 million for playing Glinda and Elphaba, respectively. However, Universal denied this in a statement.

A spokesperson for the company says so The Hollywood Reporterthat the reports of the pay gap were “completely false and based on Internet fodder” and that “women were paid equally for their work on EvilUniversal did not clarify how much each actress received, nor the exact amounts paid to the cast members.

Both Erivo and Grande have formed a strong bond while filming the movies, even getting matching tattoos to commemorate the shared experience. The actresses have since opened up about their friendship in interviews where they discussed Evil.

Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Grande is Glinda in Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu.

Universal Studios


“I think that was one of my favorite parts of this experience: I felt supported and like I had a friend every step of the way,” Grande shared. New York Times of her friendship with Erivo. “I’m really proud of us for how genuinely we cared for each other throughout this time.”

Added Erivo, “I’m glad it was us.”

Second part of Evil – with the title Wicked: Too Good – will be released in cinemas on 21 November.