Ariana Grande Misses 'Wicked: For Good' Brazil Premiere Amid Flight Drama

Ariana Grande, famously known as Glinda the Good Witch in the upcoming film, couldn't make it to the highly anticipated first international premiere of Wicked: For Good in São Paulo, Brazil, due to unexpected and frustrating flight issues. Her absence led to a heartfelt public apology and a plea for understanding from her incredibly passionate fanbase.

TL;DR

• Ariana Grande missed the Wicked: For Good Brazil premiere on November 4, 2025, after her flight was grounded due to a safety issue.
• Despite extensive efforts by her team and Universal, no viable alternative travel could be arranged in time.
• Grande issued a second Instagram plea, urging fans "not to wish danger" on her, expressing profound disappointment and her enduring love for Brazil.

An Unfortunate Start to the Global 'Wicked: For Good' Rollout Imagine you've been looking forward to a huge event for a year, plans meticulously laid out, only for unexpected travel chaos to derail everything at the last minute. This was the exact scenario Ariana Grande faced as she prepared for the world premiere of Wicked: For Good in São Paulo, Brazil, on November 4, 2025. This event was a significant kickoff for the film's global promotional tour, making her absence particularly notable. The premiere was set to be a star-studded affair, with Grande's co-stars Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), alongside director Jon M. Chu, all in attendance. While the show certainly went on, the absence of one of its leading ladies cast a shadow over the initial celebrations, especially given the film’s buzz.

Unpacking the Unforeseen Flight Dilemma That Grounded Glinda

Grande took to her Instagram Stories to explain the frustrating situation. She revealed that her team and she had to deplane their scheduled flight after crew members identified a critical "safety issue" requiring immediate maintenance. This unforeseen problem led to a significant delay, with the plane not expected to depart until 11 AM the following day, November 5, 2025. Source: [Rolling Stone, "Ariana Grande Will Miss 'Wicked: For Good' Brazil Premiere Due to Flight Delays", November 4, 2025]. Her team and Universal Pictures, the studio behind the film, scrambled to find a solution. Grande explicitly stated they "tried every single thing possible to fix this," which included searching "every other flight, overnight, early morning, connecting flights, commercial and also private options." Unfortunately, nothing was available or feasible that would get them to São Paulo in time. Even attempting a private flight proved impossible due to the necessary permits, which take time to acquire.

"I can’t believe this is happening and I am beyond devastated to be sending this message," Ariana Grande wrote on her Instagram Stories. "We sincerely tried everything we could and I apologize from the bottom of my heart."

The Emotional Fallout: From Heartbreak to a Plea for Safety

The disappointment wasn't just on Grande's side; Brazil boasts famously passionate pop culture fans, and the initial reaction online was intense. Seeing the mounting negativity, Grande felt compelled to issue a second, more urgent message on Instagram. This time, her tone shifted from apology to a plea: "Please don't wish danger on us." She reiterated her devastation and love for Brazil, urging fans not to "assume that we didn’t try." Source: [Vulture, "Ariana Grande Begs Brazil to ‘Not Wish Danger’ Upon Her", November 4, 2025]. This kind of public reaction highlights a significant tradeoff celebrities often face: the intense admiration can sometimes turn into intense scrutiny or even hostility when expectations aren't met. While fan passion is often celebrated, it can also manifest in ways that are deeply concerning, as Grande's plea clearly demonstrates.

Addressing the Tight Schedule and Unforeseen Limitations

Some might wonder why a global superstar would cut her travel plans so close to such a major event. Grande proactively addressed this, explaining her demanding work schedule. She had just wrapped another film, Focker In-Law, in New York on October 31 and had been working full days on November 1 and 2, much like her Wicked co-stars. Source: [Rolling Stone, "Ariana Grande Will Miss 'Wicked: For Good' Brazil Premiere Due to Flight Delays", November 4, 2025].

"There was no other time for me to leave and these plans have been booked for months," Grande explained. "We all were scheduled to leave the same day. It just so happened that this plane had a safety problem and I have explained why finding another option was impossible."

Example: Consider Mariana, a dedicated fan from Rio, who had eagerly awaited the premiere, planning her trip to São Paulo for months. While her heart might have sunk with the news of Grande's absence, her disappointment would likely be tempered by the detailed explanation and the genuine remorse shown. Understanding the complexities of travel and a star's schedule can help bridge the gap between fan expectation and unforeseen reality, even though the initial sting of missing out is very real.

One might counter that with limitless resources, a backup plan should always be possible. However, as Grande’s statement reveals, even private options are subject to logistical hurdles like permits that "take time to attain." This illustrates a limitation that money alone cannot always solve, emphasizing that some issues are genuinely beyond immediate control, regardless of status. Another counterpoint could be whether such a personal plea should be made public. However, by communicating directly and transparently, Grande likely aimed to manage the narrative, prevent further speculation, and address potential misinterpretations head-on. This direct engagement, while vulnerable, can often be more effective in a highly connected world than silence.

The Wider 'Wicked' Universe Continues Its Journey

Despite the São Paulo setback, the Wicked: For Good global premiere tour is well underway. This highly anticipated sequel follows the success of the first Wicked film, which premiered in November 2024. That initial adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical garnered impressive recognition, earning 10 Oscar nominations and winning two for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. Source: [MassLive, "Ariana Grande will miss ‘Wicked: For Good’ Brazil premiere due to plane issues", November 4, 2025]. Fans can still look forward to the theatrical release of Wicked: For Good on November 21, 2025. In the meantime, the cast and crew will continue their promotional journey with upcoming premieres scheduled in:

• Paris: November 7, 2025
• London: November 10, 2025
• Singapore: November 13, 2025
• New York: November 17, 2025

Cynthia Erivo, who portrays Elphaba, beautifully conveyed a message from Grande at the Brazil premiere, telling fans, "We both love you very, very much. I know she’s devastated that she can’t be here, but she’s sending her love and she wants everyone here to love the film just as much as she does." Source: [Access Hollywood, "Cynthia Erivo Sends Message From Ariana Grande After She Missed ‘Wicked: For Good’ Brazil Premiere", November 4, 2025].

Key Takeaways for Fans and Moviegoers

Expect the Unexpected in Travel: Even with meticulous planning and extensive resources, unforeseen issues like safety concerns can disrupt major events for anyone. Star Schedules are Demanding: Celebrities often balance multiple high-profile projects, leading to incredibly tight timelines for appearances. Transparency Matters: Ariana Grande's direct communication about her travel woes and emotional response aimed to manage expectations and connect with fans. The Show Goes On: Despite one star's absence, the Wicked: For Good global tour continues, bringing the magic to fans worldwide. Anticipation Builds: The sequel promises to build on the success of the first film, with its official release just around the corner on November 21, 2025. Frequently Asked Questions About 'Wicked: For Good'

When is Wicked: For Good officially released in theaters? The film is scheduled to hit theaters on November 21, 2025.

What is Ariana Grande's role in Wicked: For Good? Ariana Grande stars as Glinda the Good Witch in the film.

Will Ariana Grande attend other Wicked: For Good premieres? Yes, Grande is scheduled to make her first appearance on the premiere tour in Paris on November 7, 2025, and is expected to attend subsequent premieres.

Who else is starring in Wicked: For Good? The film features Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Jonathan Bailey as Prince Fiyero, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jon M. Chu as director.

Sources:

• Access Hollywood, "Cynthia Erivo Sends Message From Ariana Grande After She Missed ‘Wicked: For Good’ Brazil Premiere," November 4, 2025.
• MassLive, "Ariana Grande will miss ‘Wicked: For Good’ Brazil premiere due to plane issues," November 4, 2025.
• Rolling Stone, "Ariana Grande Will Miss 'Wicked: For Good' Brazil Premiere Due to Flight Delays," November 4, 2025.
• Vulture, "Ariana Grande Begs Brazil to ‘Not Wish Danger’ Upon Her," November 4, 2025.