The Secret Meaning Behind Ariana Grande And Cynthia Erivo's Matching 'Wicked' Tattoos: 5 Details You Missed

The bond between Glinda and Elphaba, the two iconic witches of Oz, is the heart of the musical *Wicked*, and that deep connection has transcended the silver screen. As of December 2025, the friendship between co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo remains one of Hollywood's most genuine and talked-about pairings, solidified by a powerful piece of permanent ink. The matching tattoos—a tribute to their transformative experience filming the two-part movie adaptation—are more than just a memento; they are a profound symbol of a relationship that has, quite literally, changed them "for good."

The actresses, who star as Glinda the Good and Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, respectively, have openly shared how their on-screen dynamic mirrored their off-screen reality. The decision to get permanent matching tattoos, which they proudly revealed to the world, offers a rare, intimate glimpse into the depth of their connection and their commitment to the legacy of the beloved Broadway musical and the upcoming film series, *Wicked: Part One* (2024) and *Wicked: For Good* (2025).

The Biographical Profile: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo

To truly appreciate the significance of the tattoo, one must first understand the powerhouse careers and personal journeys of the two women who now share this permanent bond.

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Ariana Grande (Glinda)

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
• Career Highlights: Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actress. Known for her extensive vocal range, she rose to fame on the Nickelodeon series *Victorious* and *Sam & Cat*. Her music career includes numerous chart-topping albums like *Thank U, Next* and *Positions*.
• Wicked Role: Glinda Upland (Glinda the Good), a role she has publicly dreamed of playing for years.
• Notable Achievements: Multiple Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and a strong advocate for animal rights and mental health awareness.

Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba)

• Full Name: Cynthia Chinasaokwu Onyedinmanasu Amarachukwu Owezuke Echimino Erivo
• Born: January 8, 1987, Stockwell, London, England
• Career Highlights: English actress, singer, and songwriter. She is one of the few artists to have achieved the coveted EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony Award) nominations, having won a Tony, Grammy, and Daytime Emmy. She is famous for her powerful, critically acclaimed performance as Celie in the Broadway revival of *The Color Purple*.
• Wicked Role: Elphaba Thropp (The Wicked Witch of the West), a role requiring immense vocal and dramatic depth.
• Notable Achievements: Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, and an Academy Award nomination for her role as Harriet Tubman in *Harriet*.

The Ink: Two Matching Tattoos, One Eternal Bond

The matching tattoos shared by the two *Wicked* co-stars are not a singular piece, but rather a pair of symbolic markings that perfectly encapsulate their friendship and the essence of the musical.

1. The 'For Good' Palm Script

The primary and most widely recognized tattoo is the phrase "For Good" inked in delicate script on the inside of their palms. This location is significant—it’s a highly visible spot when they hold hands or gesture, symbolizing a bond that is always present and openly shared.

The reveal was made public on social media and during a joint interview on *The Kelly Clarkson Show*, where they explained the deep, personal meaning behind the choice. Getting a tattoo on the palm is notoriously painful and known for fading, which some fans interpret as an even greater commitment to the temporary nature of their time filming together, but the lasting impact of the friendship.

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2. The Elphaba/Glinda Heart Initials

A lesser-known, yet equally meaningful, detail is the existence of a second, smaller matching tattoo. This piece is a subtle heart design, personalized for each actress.

• Ariana Grande’s Heart: Contains the letter ‘E’, representing Cynthia’s character, Elphaba, and her own last name, Erivo.
• Cynthia Erivo’s Heart: Contains the letter ‘G’, representing Ariana’s character, Glinda, and her own last name, Grande.

This dual-initial tattoo is a powerful symbol of their respective roles and their real-life names, intertwining their professional and personal identities in a single, sweet piece of art. It’s a testament to how deeply they immersed themselves in the world of Oz and how they came to rely on each other during the extensive filming process directed by Jon M. Chu.

The Profound Meaning of 'For Good'

The selection of the phrase "For Good" is the ultimate expression of topical authority and emotional depth, drawing directly from the emotional climax of the musical.

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The Song's Legacy

"For Good" is the penultimate song in Act II of the original *Wicked* musical, written by Stephen Schwartz. It is a duet sung by Elphaba and Glinda as they prepare to part ways, acknowledging the irreversible, positive influence they have had on each other’s lives.

The key lyrics, "Who can say if I've been changed for the better? I do believe I have been changed for good," carry a double meaning:

• "For the Better": The idea that their friendship improved them as people.
• "Forever": The commitment that the change and the friendship are permanent and enduring.

The song is often cited as one of the most moving and powerful theatrical ballads about friendship, resonating with audiences who understand the complexity of female bonds, rivalry, and unconditional love.

The Real-Life Connection

For Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the song became the anthem of their own relationship. Filming a massive, two-part musical fantasy film like *Wicked* is an intense process, requiring years of dedication. The bond forged between the two leads, who spent countless hours together embodying the iconic roles, became a source of mutual support and strength.

Their joint appearances, including the sweet moment on *The Kelly Clarkson Show*, highlight a genuine, sisterly connection that goes beyond co-workers. The "For Good" tattoo serves as a public declaration that their friendship, much like Elphaba and Glinda's, will last long after the final curtain call for *Wicked: For Good* in 2025.

The enduring symbolism of the ink speaks to the transformative power of the arts and the deep connections made on set. It’s a beautiful, permanent tribute to a monumental chapter in their careers and a friendship that is truly "for good."