Cynthia Erivo is grateful Ariana Grande was cast as Glinda in “Wicked.”
“Thank goodness, because it was not the two ladies that I was auditioning with,” Erivo told the New York Times when asked about her reaction to the pop superstar’s casting.
The “We Can’t Be Friends” singer had a similar answer in the interview published Wednesday.
“Thank God,” Grande recalled saying when she and Erivo were announced as Glinda and Elphaba, respectfully.
Grande, 31, and Erivo, 37, were cast in “Wicked” in 2021 and quickly formed a tight bond as production started.
During their chat with the New York Times, they recalled spending their days off from filming hanging out at each other’s homes, shopping and even getting tattoos.
“I think that was one of my most cherished parts of this experience: I felt held and like I had a friend every step of the way,” the “Positions” songstress explained.
“I’m really proud of us for how genuinely we took care of each other throughout this whole time.”
Grande also got emotional while reflecting on how the “Harriet” star helped her grow as a person.
“I feel really inspired by her fierce ability to be truthful and protect herself,” she said with tears in her eyes.
“Just by being around her, I have become more of an ally to myself when I used to do a lot of self-abandoning, and I really do credit that to our friendship.”
Erivo shared a similar sentiment about Grande, saying she helped her believe in herself.
“I don’t think it was up until I met her that I was like, ‘Oh, I think I can have what I want in this lifetime, and I can have it in my way,’” she said.
“She’s really held my hand all the way through it and wants it for me just as much as I want for myself.”
This isn’t the first time the pair has spoken positively about their friendship.
In October, Erivo revealed their filming pact to avoid drama during an appearance on Scott Evans’ “House Guest” YouTube series.
“She and I were like, we have to work together. So, on the days when we need to say a couple of nos, we take turns,” she explained. “You say no sometimes. I say no sometimes.”
“We built a real partnership … between the two of us.”
While walking the steps at the Met Gala together in May, the “Victorious” alum praised Erivo for the way she “humanizes” Elphaba in the film.
“Wicked,” which is adapted from the long-running Broadway musical, premiered in Sydney on Sunday. The cast will celebrate its premiere in Los Angeles this weekend.
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