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
That’s So Raven Dad Pleads For Donations From Hospital Bed

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

Black Celebs Who Have Stars On the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Black Celebs Who Have Stars On the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Brandy Norwood is one of the latest Black celebrities who’s finally received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Discover who else has been honored! …
Black Films To Look Forward to in 2026

Black Films To Look Forward to in 2026

From Zendaya to Tyler Perry, Black stars are coming in hot with new movies in 2026. Let’s take a look! …
The Four Black Women Coaches Who Took Their Teams to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Women's Tournament

The Four Black Women Coaches Who Took Their Teams to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Women’s Tournament

By the time there were 16 teams left in the Women’s NCAA Tournament, four of them were coached by Black women. How did they do? …
This Black Woman Is The Most Gorgeous Barber on TikTok

This Black Woman Is The Most Gorgeous Barber on TikTok

Folks on TikTok are loving this Black barber, who’s not only great at her job, but looks like a model too …
After Tyler Perry Attempts to Pay TSA Works Himself, DHS Officially Steps In

After Tyler Perry Attempts to Pay TSA Works Himself, DHS Officially Steps In

To help ease financial pain on TSA amid the government shutdown, billionaire Tyler Perry stepped in… and then, this happened …
How Carlos Boozer's Twin Sons, Duke Basketball Stars Cameron and Cayden, Saved Their Big Brother's Life

How Carlos Boozer’s Twin Sons, Duke Basketball Stars Cameron and Cayden, Saved Their Big Brother’s Life

Conceived to save their brother’s life, ex-NBA star Carlos Boozer’s twins Cameron and Cayden are living proof that some wins don’t show up on a scoreboard …
Kerry Washington Shares the Marriage Move That Has Made Her Relationship Last

Kerry Washington Shares the Marriage Move That Has Made Her Relationship Last

Kerry Washington is usually private about her marriage to former NFL-star and actor Nnamdu Asomugha. But now she’s opening up like never before! …
How One Black Woman Is Saying 'No' to Work and 'Yes' to Unapologetic Rest

How One Black Woman Is Saying ‘No’ to Work and ‘Yes’ to Unapologetic Rest

After being laid off in 2025, Brandy Walker is launching a one-year sabbatical for all Black women to join! …
Pete Hegseth Shockingly Blocks Army Promotions for Black and Women Officers

Pete Hegseth Shockingly Blocks Army Promotions for Black and Women Officers

Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly targeting Army officials who– according to his standards– fit under DEI …
Mississippi Mom of Three Savagely Mauled to Death by a Pack of Dogs— So Why Are the Dogs Still Alive?

Mississippi Mom of Three Savagely Mauled to Death by a Pack of Dogs— So Why Are the Dogs Still Alive?

A Mississippi mother died after she was savagely mauled by a pack of dogs. Now, her family is demanding justice because her attackers are still alive …
Omar Gooding Shares Shocking Update With Fans About How a Seatbelt Saved His Life

Omar Gooding Shares Shocking Update With Fans About How a Seatbelt Saved His Life

Veteran actor Omar Gooding sent a message to his fans following a shocking ordeal …
What's Up With All These Black Celebs Supporting Trump, MAGA?

What’s Up With All These Black Celebs Supporting Trump, MAGA?

Comedian Nick Cannon is the latest celeb to pledge support for President Trump, but he’s not the only Black star under fire for MAGA ties …
Druski Breaks His Silence Over <i>That</i> Viral 'White Grandfather' Picture

Druski Breaks His Silence Over That Viral ‘White Grandfather’ Picture

Druski’s “white conservative women” skit had the timeline in a frenzy—then that photo of him and an older white man dropped …
Rev. William Barber: Why the Midterm Election is So Important

Rev. William Barber: Why the Midterm Election is So Important

Rev. Barber: We have to start teaching people that when we talk about politics, there is not an aspect of your life—from your birth to your death—that is not impacted …
Tiger Woods' Friends Call Out His Problematic Behavior After DUI Arrest

Tiger Woods’ Friends Call Out His Problematic Behavior After DUI Arrest

As Tiger Woods prepares to deal with both the public and legal ramifications of his latest DUI arrest, his friends are speaking out about the unfortunate turn of events! …
Black Nurse Details Terror, Heroism After Plane Crash on LaGuardia Runway

Black Nurse Details Terror, Heroism After Plane Crash on LaGuardia Runway

A Black nurse explains what happened in the moments after the LaGuardia plane crash which killed two pilots …
Brandy Reveals Her Last Conversation With Whitney Houston The Day Before Her Death

Brandy Reveals Her Last Conversation With Whitney Houston The Day Before Her Death

Brandy Norwood is detailing her last moments with Whitney Houston before her shocking death in 2012 …
The Chilling Rise of the 'Alpine Divorce,' Where Men Take Their Wives to Hike— Then Purposefully Abandon Them

The Chilling Rise of the ‘Alpine Divorce,’ Where Men Take Their Wives to Hike— Then Purposefully Abandon Them

Inside the dangerous relationship trend you’ve never heard of: Alpine divorces, where men desert their partners on hikes to break up …
Could This Brilliant Morehouse Student Become The Next Mike Tyson?

Could This Brilliant Morehouse Student Become The Next Mike Tyson?

A top-ranked boxer and a star student, Morehouse junior Chad Pitts is changing the narrative about what a Morehouse man can be …
Professor: The Tiger Woods Crash Is Exactly Why Rich Black Men Need Drivers

Professor: The Tiger Woods Crash Is Exactly Why Rich Black Men Need Drivers

Opinion: A rollover crash adds to a troubling pattern and raises a bigger question about risk, control, and why some Black stars still insist on driving themselves …