Ariana Grande Forced To Halt ‘Wicked’ Press Run After Unexpected Diagnosis

Ariana Grande’s whirlwind "Wicked: For Good" press tour has taken an abrupt and unfortunate turn.

After weeks of premieres, appearances, and global fan events, the singer shared that she has tested positive for COVID, news that instantly halted her schedule.

Her announcement came just as promotional efforts were winding down, leaving fans and event organizers scrambling to adjust.

As the "Wicked: For Good" press tour neared its conclusion, Grande took to Instagram to reveal her unexpected diagnosis.

Sharing a still from her appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon," she captioned the image with the simple but jarring message: “moments before Covid.”

The timing was especially striking, given that just days earlier, Grande skipped interviews at the New York premiere out of solidarity with co-star Cynthia Erivo, who had been feeling unwell and lost her voice.

That moment now feels eerily connected, as both women once again find themselves battling the same virus, though this time at separate moments in the press cycle.

Her positive test immediately forced schedule changes. Grande pulled out of a planned taped appearance with Erivo on "The Kelly Clarkson Show," leaving Erivo to appear solo.

She will also miss upcoming Q&A events for "Wicked: For Good," creating a notable void as the film counts down to its release.

COVID has become an accidental theme for the stars of "Wicked."

Both Erivo and Grande previously tested positive during filming of the first movie, Erivo shortly before shooting “Defying Gravity,” and Grande right before filming “Popular.”

This latest bump arrives at the tail end of an already eventful tour.

Grande was unable to attend the first premiere in Brazil. Then, during the Singapore festivities, chaos erupted when a man leapt over the red carpet barricades and rushed toward Grande before being stopped by Erivo, who pushed him away from her co-star.

Despite the turbulence, "Wicked: For Good" is poised for massive success.

According to Variety, the film is projected to earn $150 million to $180 million from 4,000 North American theaters in its opening weekend, potentially the biggest debut of the year.

Grande's health setback comes days after she surprised fans with an emotional revelation about her long-term career plans during an interview with Amy Poehler on the November 18 episode of the “Good Hang” podcast.

During their chat, which later appeared on YouTube, Grande addressed her upcoming “Eternal Sunshine” tour and hinted that it may mark a turning point in her musical journey.

She explained her feelings with caution, noting, "I don't want to say any definitive things. I do know that I'm very excited to do this small tour, but I think it might not happen again for a long, long, long, long time."

The singer described the 2026 run as "One last hurrah," suggesting a shift in priorities as she looks ahead to the next decade of her life. Although many know her as a chart-topping pop star, Grande never forgot her theatrical roots. She began on Broadway before finding mainstream fame on Nickelodeon’s “Victorious” and “Sam & Cat,” which eventually launched her music career. That early passion is influencing her future choices, and she hinted at a return to what creatively fuels her most.

As she shared on the podcast, "So I think the thing that will be best for my soul and also my art and for what I'm giving to myself, is if I'm chasing things that feel very right in the moment."

The announcement marked a bittersweet moment for Grande's fans, who had hoped her return from a six-year musical hiatus signaled the beginning of a new era, not another pause.

The multi-hyphenate star explained that she has reached a point where she wants to reconnect with the part of herself that loves acting.

Having spent years in the global spotlight as a pop superstar, she expressed enthusiasm for smaller and more intimate acting roles that speak to her creatively, even if they are not headline-grabbing projects.

She shared her joy about her latest work, saying, "Even if it's mundane, it needs to be something different. I am doing a movie right now because it's a role that I read the script and I love it and it's funny and I love the cast and I'm so excited."

Grande added that she plans to take on smaller television opportunities next year, emphasizing a desire for versatility and creative fulfillment.

News of another extended music break hit fans hard. Many flooded the comment section with emotional responses, torn between sadness and pride.

One longtime supporter wrote, "Hearing her say 'one last hurrah... for now' is so bittersweet. I grew up with her."

They expressed hope that Grande will return to the stage someday.

Another fan expressed their disappointment at never having attended one of her concerts, calling it "a shame," but added, "I hope her new acting projects keep her happy and excited about her art."