rundown
Ariana Grande was unable to fly to Sao Paulo for the ‘Wicked: For Good’ premiere due to flight maintenance issues. In an emotional message, she told fans she was “so heartbroken” to be absent from the event. Grande praised her co-stars, saying, “All the love I want to shower you, my amazing castmates.”
Ariana Grande revealed that she was unable to attend the premiere of “Wicked: For Good” in Sao Paulo, Brazil, due to last-minute flight plans being canceled.
The singer and actress, who plays Glinda in Universal’s long-awaited sequel, shared the news in an emotional Instagram Story late Monday night. “Dear Brazilians, I can’t believe this is happening. I am beyond shocked to send this message,” Grande wrote. “A few hours ago, my team and I had to get off the plane because the plane had to undergo maintenance due to a safety issue. The plane isn’t scheduled to take off until tomorrow, which means we won’t be able to make it in time for the premiere of ‘Wicked: For Good São Paulo.’
Grande explained that her team considered all possible solutions to include her in the event. “We looked for every other flight, overnight, early morning, connecting, commercial, even commercial, but nothing was possible or possible to arrive in time,” she wrote. “Even if you try the civilian option, you still need a permit to fly from here, and it takes time to get one.”
The premiere was the first overseas performance on Wicked: For Good’s worldwide press tour, and Grande emphasized how disappointed she was to miss it. “I’m heartbroken that I can’t be with you all,” she said. “We sincerely did everything we could, and we sincerely apologize. To my wonderful cast, I wish you all the love I could pour into you and the most beautiful celebration.”
Grande’s absence comes shortly after she debuted a new brunette look on Instagram. “Aren’t you happy to see me? 🫧,” she captioned the photo, tagging her longtime colorist Francesco de Chiara.
