Pop‑star‑actor Ariana Grande has expressed deep regret at being unable to attend the world premiere of Wicked: For Good in São Paulo, Brazil, citing a late‑breaking “safety issue” with her flight that made her attendance impossible.
In a heartfelt Instagram Story posted early on Tuesday, Grande addressed Brazilian fans directly: “I am so heartbroken that [I'm] unable to be there with you all. We sincerely tried everything we could and I apologise from the bottom of my heart.” She revealed that her team and Universal Pictures had exhausted every travel option—commercial flights, early‑morning connections, even private jet alternatives—but none could get her into São Paulo in time.
The film, a much‑anticipated sequel to the hugely successful 2024 Wicked, marks Grande’s return to the world of Glinda alongside co‑star Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. The São Paulo premiere was scheduled for 4 November and was expected to launch the global press tour with stops in Paris, London, Singapore and New York ahead of the film’s release on 21 November.
Grande acknowledged the sheer disappointment of the moment: “Please don’t wish danger on us. I promise no matter how upset or disappointed you are, please please do not wish danger on us or assume that we didn’t try,” she pleaded, following vocal reactions from some fans online. She emphasised the unrealistic expectations some place on celebrities and reaffirmed that no one was more upset than she was.
Further emphasising her sorrow, Grande urged her Brazilian audience: “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.” She reiterated her love for Brazil—“I love Brazil, I always have, I always will”—and conveyed how much she had been looking forward to the moment for over a year.
The nature of the delay appears straightforward: shortly before departure, Grande and her entourage de‑planed when the aircraft was grounded for maintenance due to a safety issue. With the plane unavailable until the early hours of the next morning, alternative flights proved unviable, and even a private charter was dismissed due to required permits and timing constraints. Despite intense efforts by the film studio and her team, no timely route became available.
As Wicked: For Good enters its worldwide rollout, Ariana Grande’s absence from the opening event does not diminish her involvement in the film—but the moment underscores the wider pressures on modern artists balancing celebrity, promotion and human limits. For fans in Ireland and beyond, her transparent apology and emotional outreach may help bridge the gap between performer and public, even as the premiere moments slip by without her physical presence.
