Ariana Grande is not defying gravity this time — at least, not when it comes to her flight plans.
The pop star and actress, who stars as Glinda in the Wicked sequel, Wicked: For Good, was forced to miss the film’s highly anticipated world premiere in São Paulo, Brazil, after unexpected flight issues left her grounded.
“I can’t believe this is happening and I am beyond devastated to be sending this message,” Ariana wrote on her Instagram Stories on November 5, sharing her heartbreak with fans who had been eagerly waiting to see her in person.
According to the Grammy winner, her plane was forced to return to the gate just hours before departure due to a maintenance issue — and the timing made it impossible for her to make it to Brazil on schedule.
“A few hours ago, my team and I had to deplane our flight, as they had to do maintenance on the plane due to a safety issue and it will not be taking off until 11 a.m. tomorrow which means that I would not be making it in time for the Wicked: For Good São Paulo premiere,” she explained.
The singer continued, revealing that she and her team exhausted every possible option to try to make it work. “My team and Universal have tried every single thing possible to fix this,” Ariana wrote. “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. Even in attempting a private option, there is a permit necessary in order to fly from here that takes time to attain.”
Clearly, even a Glinda-level miracle couldn’t fix this one.
“I am so heartbroken that I’m unable to be there with you all,” she added, apologizing to her Brazilian fans. “We sincerely tried everything we could and I apologize from the bottom of my heart. 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. And again, I am so, so very sorry.”
While Ariana’s absence is definitely disappointing for fans, the show will go on. Her Wicked costars, including Cynthia Erivo, are still set to attend the São Paulo premiere, marking the film’s first major international debut.
The Brazil event follows an exclusive screening for members of the Broadway company in New York last week. The global press tour will continue with premieres in Paris on November 7, London on November 10, and Singapore on November 13.
Wicked: For Good is the highly anticipated follow-up to the 2024 Wicked film, which adapted the first act of the beloved Broadway musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. The first installment was a critical and commercial success, earning 10 Oscar nominations and winning for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design — making the sequel one of the most buzzed-about releases of 2025.
