Black Women Know About Glinda-Elphaba Relationship in ‘Wicked,’ Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are Acting Strange on Press Tour, British Press Erased Erivo From Headlines, Universal Address Massive Pay Difference Between Grande and Erivo and Other News From ‘Wicked’

Here are all the stories from the blockbuster film, which just grossed more than $450 million internationally

Graphic: Images: Universal Studios, Amy Sussman, Lia Toby, Roger Kisby, Photo by Neil Mockford/WireImage

Black Women Know the Real Truth about Glinda, Elphaba’s Relationship in Wicked And It’s Time Everyone Does Too

Photo: Universal Studios Photo: Universal Studios

As “Wicked,” starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, continues to fly to the top of the box office, there’s a lot of positive chatter about the film and their respective characters. But there’s one element of their dynamic that keeps getting overlooked that it’s time for us to talk about. — Shanelle Genai

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
17 Fashion Trainwrecks from Met Gala 2025

Read More

Black Twitter Is So Done With Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo’s Emotional ‘Wicked’ Press Tour

Photo: Getty Images Amy Sussman Photo: Getty Images Amy Sussman

In the lead up to “Wicked: Part One’s” release, the film’s stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, have traveled the world promoting the movie. The close bond they developed during the film’s production has been evident in the overabundance of affection they’ve shown each other during the “Wicked” press tour. — Stephanie Holland

Read More

Damn! Black-Lead Actors Dominated the Weekend Box Office And Broke All Kinds of Records

Photo: Getty Images Lia Toby, Roger Kisby Photo: Getty Images Lia Toby, Roger Kisby

“Glicked” — the simultaneous release of “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” — was likely to usher fans of both franchises to cinemas. But just how profoundly both films dominated the box office this past weekend demonstrates the power of Black-led Hollywood tentpole films. — Stephanie Holland

Read More

Black Twitter is Upset Over British Press Erasing ‘Wicked’s’ Black Star Cynthia Erivo From Its Headlines

Image: Getty Images Photo by Neil Mockford/WireImage Image: Getty Images Photo by Neil Mockford/WireImage

In case you missed it, “Wicked,” the upcoming “The Wizard of Oz” prequel film and adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical of the same name, is hitting theaters this week. The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba the Wicked Witch and Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch, who have both been present for a highly publicized press tour. — Jared Alexander

Read More

Is Cynthia Erivo Overreacting In Her Anger Over This Fan-Made ‘Wicked’ Movie Poster?

Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain

Cynthia Erivo is sounding off about a new movie poster for her upcoming film “Wicked,” but fans are concerned she’s making more out of the situation than she ought to. — Shanelle Genai

Read More

Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande Are Acting So ‘Strange’ on the ‘Wicked’ Press Tour… Here’s The Tea

Photo: Getty Images Brendon Thorne Photo: Getty Images Brendon Thorne

Wicked” is one of the most “Popular” stage musicals of all-time. Since it premiered in 2003, it’s been seen by countless fans around the world. These “Wicked” superfans have been waiting 20 years to see a film adaptation of their favorite show, and now it’s finally here. — Stephanie Holland

Read More

Are Cynthia Erivo, Lena Waithe A Couple? Here’s The Tea

Image: Getty Images Photo by Bruce Glikas/WireImage Image: Getty Images Photo by Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Cynthia Erivo, the Tony Award-winning actress, is having quite the moment, receiving significant praise as the rollout of Wicked continues, and she perhaps has received the greatest compliments and support from her long-rumored partner, Lena Waithe. The TV creator, actress and writer took to social media with posts supporting Erivo and the film, resharing many of Erivo’s behind-the-scenes pictures and clips to her Instagram stories. — Jared Alexander

Read More

Universal Pictures Addresses Rumors About Massive Pay Difference Between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo For ‘Wicked’

Photo: Getty Images Tim P. Whitby Photo: Getty Images Tim P. Whitby

Updated 11/26/24 at 2:01 p.m. ET — Stephanie Holland

Read More

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Popular Reality Shows That Need Tell-All  Documentaries ASAP!

Popular Reality Shows That Need Tell-All Documentaries ASAP!

Audiences may be gagged at the new ‘America’s Next Top Model’ documentary, but there are a handful of other shows that deserve to get the layers peeled back too! …
Exclusive: Jennifer Hudson, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

Exclusive: Jennifer Hudson, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

The Root Exclusive Series: Black History Month was established 100 years ago, in February 1926. To commemorate this momentous occasion, 100 Black thought leaders and creators share their collective wisdom and insight for the culture in this ongoing series …
Who NYT Says Is Facing the Biggest Fallout From The Epstein Files

Who NYT Says Is Facing the Biggest Fallout From The Epstein Files

The New York Times is tracking and documenting the names of those caught up in the fallout of the Epstein Files. Here are the ones you should know …
Activist Ms. Shirley's Cause of Death FINALLY Revealed

Activist Ms. Shirley’s Cause of Death FINALLY Revealed

News of Ms. Shirley’s cause of death comes in the middle of American Heart Month, the February initiative raising awareness about cardiovascular disease …
Former Prince Andrew in Cuffs: Is This the Official End of White Privilege?

Former Prince Andrew in Cuffs: Is This the Official End of White Privilege?

Prince Andrew is the first notable figure arrested after the Epstein files were released, and the potential fallout is probably lot worse than you think …
Tyra Banks Is 'ANTM's' Biggest Villain, But Jay, Miss J and Nigel Need to Be Called Out

Tyra Banks Is ‘ANTM’s’ Biggest Villain, But Jay, Miss J and Nigel Need to Be Called Out

America’s Next Top Model judges Miss J, Jay Manuel and Nigel Barker all played a role in the show’s unhealthy ecosystem, and they should be called out, too! …
Huge New Development in Case of Florida Father Whose Unlicensed Teen Killed 4 People After He Let Him Drive

Huge New Development in Case of Florida Father Whose Unlicensed Teen Killed 4 People After He Let Him Drive

A Florida father learned his fate after his unlicensed teen ran a stop sign and slammed into a car— killing a grandmother and her 3 grandchildren …
WATCH: Celeb Publicist Records the Scary Passenger Incident That Forced His Delta Flight to Turn Around

WATCH: Celeb Publicist Records the Scary Passenger Incident That Forced His Delta Flight to Turn Around

A passenger tried to enter the cockpit of a Delta flight before passengers jumped on him to subdue him for law enforcement. And it’s all on video …
Black Twitter is Conflicted About This Black Grandmother Praising Trump at a BHM Celebration

Black Twitter is Conflicted About This Black Grandmother Praising Trump at a BHM Celebration

Two weeks after Trump posted a racist video of Obama, one Black D.C. grandmother told America how Trump did for her what Democrats refused …
Everything to Know About Pam Bondi, the Trump-Loyal Attorney General

Everything to Know About Pam Bondi, the Trump-Loyal Attorney General

Here’s everything to know about the life and career of AG Pam Bondi, as she continues to face calls to resign over the Epstein files …

Rev. William Barber On Why Jesse Jackson Didn’t Become President, But Still Won

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber explains how Jackson’s historic presidential runs were victories for democracy …
MLB Union Leader Resigns Over 'Inappropriate Relationship' Similar to Sherrone Moore

MLB Union Leader Resigns Over ‘Inappropriate Relationship’ Similar to Sherrone Moore

When the alleged scandal was revealed, Clark resigned as executive director of the MLBPA after serving for more than 12 years …
Exclusive: Bakari Sellers Reflects on the Passing of 'Uncle' Rev. Jesse Jackson

Exclusive: Bakari Sellers Reflects on the Passing of ‘Uncle’ Rev. Jesse Jackson

CNN political contributor Bakari Sellers shared his thoughts on the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson exclusively with The Root …
The Best and Worst TikTok Theories About Beyoncé's Upcoming 'Act III' Album

The Best and Worst TikTok Theories About Beyoncé’s Upcoming ‘Act III’ Album

Thanks to Beyoncé’s recent photo dump on social media, many fans are pointing to it as potential clues for her next musical act. Let’s get into all of the best and worst breakdowns! …
Sherrone Moore May Get A Break After Judge Orders Hearing After Having Concerns His 'Due Process May Have Been Violated'

Sherrone Moore May Get A Break After Judge Orders Hearing After Having Concerns His ‘Due Process May Have Been Violated’

Sherrone Moore could have charges dropped if judge finds out his due process was violated. Court hearing scheduled for March 2 …
TikTok Trad Wife Nara Smith's Goes Viral Again -- This Time For Issues With Her House

TikTok Trad Wife Nara Smith’s Goes Viral Again — This Time For Issues With Her House

The East Coast winter storm has TikTok influencer Nara Smith doing a major renovation project on her home …
Whoopi Goldberg Clears Up Epstein Files Confusion

Whoopi Goldberg Clears Up Epstein Files Confusion

Whoopi Goldberg isn’t here for any potential links between her and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. And now she’s providing some much needed clarity! …
How <i>Not</i> To End Up Like Cardi B, Halle Berry or J. Lo: Unlucky in Love Because of Bad Decisions

How Not To End Up Like Cardi B, Halle Berry or J. Lo: Unlucky in Love Because of Bad Decisions

If you want to be happy in love but don’t know how to get there, pull up a chair. It’s time we had a talk …
Kansas State Fires Basketball Coach Over Publicly Trashing His Own Team, But That's Not All

Kansas State Fires Basketball Coach Over Publicly Trashing His Own Team, But That’s Not All

After a blistering criticism of his basketball team, Kansas State has fired basketball head coach, Jerome Tang, for “just cause.” …
CNN's Abby Phillip On Jesse Jackson's Political Legacy

CNN’s Abby Phillip On Jesse Jackson’s Political Legacy

The Root spoke exclusively with CNN’s Abby Phillip about what we can learn from the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s multicultural political movement …