ariana Grande tests Positive for COVID-19 During ‘Wicked’ Press Tour: Updates & What It Means for Fans
The buzz surrounding the upcoming release of Wicked: For Good has hit a slight pause. Ariana Grande has tested positive for COVID-19, impacting her promotional schedule for the highly anticipated film. This news comes amidst a press tour already marked by unforeseen events, leaving fans wondering what this means for upcoming appearances and the filmS release. Let’s break down the latest updates, the implications for the Wicked rollout, and what you need to no.
The Timeline: From Jimmy Fallon to positive Test
Ariana Grande shared the news on her Instagram Stories, posting a photo from her recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon with the caption, “Moments before Covid.” This timing suggests she may have been unknowingly contagious during the Fallon taping.
While Grande hasn’t disclosed specific symptoms, the positive test has already led to adjustments in her schedule. According to Variety, she will be skipping several planned Q&A sessions for Wicked: For Good and her scheduled interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show with co-star cynthia Erivo.
Cynthia Erivo’s Vocal Challenges & Ongoing Press Tour
The news of Grande’s illness arrives alongside vocal issues for Cynthia Erivo. Erivo, who plays Elphaba alongside Grande’s Glinda, revealed on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon that she’s currently “missing in action” vocally, though she still appeared on the show. She playfully described her voice issues as “kind of sexy.” Despite her challenges, Erivo is still expected to fulfill her appearance on The Kelly Clarkson show.
This highlights the demanding nature of a high-profile press tour, especially with the added health considerations in the current climate. It’s a testament to the dedication of both stars that they are continuing to promote the film despite these hurdles.
A Press Tour Marked by Incidents
The Wicked: For Good press tour hasn’t been without its share of drama. Earlier this month,Grande was forced to miss the premiere in São Paulo,Brazil,due to concerns about plane safety. More alarmingly, during the Singapore event, a fan rushed the red carpet and charged at Grande, resulting in a nine-day jail sentence for the individual. Here’s a report on the Singapore incident from the BBC.
These incidents underscore the intense public interest in the film and the challenges of maintaining security during large-scale events.
What Does This Mean for Wicked: For Good‘s Release?
Despite these setbacks, the film’s release date remains unchanged. Wicked: For Good, also starring Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, and Michelle Yeoh, is still scheduled to hit cinemas this Friday.
While Grande’s absence from some promotional events is unfortunate, the studio is highly likely to leverage other cast members and existing promotional materials to maintain momentum. the film’s strong pre-release buzz and dedicated fanbase suggest it will still perform well at the box office.
Recent Data Point: According to Fandango, pre-sale tickets for Wicked: For Good are currently tracking 35% higher then pre-sales for The Little Mermaid (2023) at the same point in the sales cycle, indicating significant audience anticipation. Source: Variety – November 20, 2023
Understanding COVID-19 & Current Trends (November 2023)
while COVID-19 is no longer the global crisis it once was, it remains a circulating virus. According to the CDC, as of November 18, 2023, the current dominant variant in the US is JN.1, a descendant of Omicron. CDC COVID Data Tracker
* Symptoms: Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, and loss of taste or smell. Though, symptoms can vary widely.
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