Full Breakdown
Ariana Grande Misses São Paulo Premiere of "Wicked: For Good" Due to Flight Issues
11/4/2025, 8:29:45 PM
Flight Safety Issues Prevent Attendance
Ariana Grande announced on November 3, 2025, that she would miss the world premiere of "Wicked: For Good" in São Paulo, Brazil, scheduled for November 4. The cancellation was due to a last-minute safety issue with her flight, which required urgent maintenance, preventing her from departing on time. In an emotional Instagram post, Grande expressed her devastation, stating, “Brazil, I can’t believe this is happening and I am beyond devastated to be sending this message.” She explained that her team had to deplane their flight and that the aircraft would not be taking off until the following morning, making it impossible for her to arrive in time for the premiere.
Exhaustive Efforts to Attend
Grande detailed the extensive efforts made by her team and Universal Pictures to find alternative travel arrangements. “We’ve searched every other flight, overnight, early morning, connecting flights, commercial and also private options and absolutely nothing was available or possible that would get us there in time,” she wrote. Even attempts to secure a private flight were thwarted by necessary permits that would take time to obtain. Grande emphasized her disappointment, stating, “I am so heartbroken that I’m unable to be there with you all. We sincerely tried everything we could and I apologize from the bottom of my heart.”
Significance of the Premiere
The São Paulo premiere marks the first major international rollout for "Wicked: For Good," following its screening for members of the Broadway company in New York. The film is a sequel to the successful 2024 adaptation of the Broadway musical, which received ten Oscar nominations and won two awards. Following the Brazilian premiere, subsequent screenings are scheduled for Paris on November 7, London on November 10, and Singapore on November 13.
Official Statements & Responses
In her posts, Grande urged her fans to support her castmates at the premiere, saying, “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 heartfelt apologies, stating, “Again, I am so, so very sorry.” Grande's absence has drawn sympathy from fans, who have expressed their understanding of the situation.
What's Next for "Wicked: For Good"
Despite Grande's absence, the film's promotional events will continue as planned. The next premieres in Paris, London, and Singapore are set to proceed, with Grande expected to participate in future promotional activities once travel arrangements allow. "Wicked: For Good" is scheduled for theatrical release on November 21, 2025, and is anticipated to build on the success of its predecessor.
