Pop diva Ariana Grande has once again caught the attention of the tattoo community by reposting a photo of her matching friendship tattoo with her co-star from the film “Wicked: For Good,” Cynthia Erivo. This gesture, preceding the world premiere of the highly anticipated musical, not only confirmed the strong bond between the actresses but also revealed an unexpected behind-the-scenes detail shared by director Jon M. Chu.
A Marker of Devotion: The Story Behind the “For Good” Tattoo
Although Grande first showcased these tattoos back in December 2023, the recent reminder on November 3, 2025, took on a new, touching context. Ariana and Cynthia got the phrase “For Good” inked on their palms – the title of one of the most emotional songs in the musical, symbolizing the eternal friendship between the two main characters, Glinda and Elphaba.
The most interesting part of this story is the timeline. Director Jon M. Chu, by reposting the photo on his social media, made a sensational confession that instantly spread through fan communities. He revealed that he had tried to dissuade the lead stars from such a hasty decision.
“I warned them, maybe they should wait to get tattoos related to the movie until they see it… But they decided to ignore me and got them literally on the third day of rehearsals,” Chu wrote.
This fact undoubtedly delighted fans, who saw it not just as a gesture but as a profound confirmation of how quickly and deeply the actresses bonded while working on the epic project. Grande, in turn, commented on the director’s words, explaining their impulsive decision:
“Haha, I remember you saying that and us thinking, ‘Oh my god… what does that MEAN???????’ But the thing is, we were experiencing, creating, and feeling in our hearts, not in the final result!”
Thus, the tattoos became not just a souvenir but an instant reflection of the feelings and creative synergy that emerged at the very beginning of their work.
The “Wicked” Tattoo Chronicle: Not Just “For Good”
“For Good” is not the only musical-related tattoo Grande and Erivo have. The actresses also clarified the timeline of their other “movie” ink:
- “Poppies”: These tattoos were done on the evening after they filmed the scene for the song “For Good.”
- “Popular”: The first set of these tattoos was done immediately after filming the scene for the song “Popular.”
This tradition began long before the current world tour. Last year, during the press tour for the first part of the franchise, Grande and Erivo gave a whole “tattoo tour” to TV host Kelly Clarkson, showcasing their symbols of friendship and dedication to the project.
Expert Analysis: Palm Tattoos as the Highest Degree of Commitment
For tattoo culture, this story is of great interest, especially considering the choice of location and symbolism. A palm tattoo is one of the boldest and, frankly, most painful decisions. The skin on the palms is thinner, more sensitive, and most importantly, it regenerates constantly, leading to rapid fading and the need for frequent touch-ups.
What the choice of palms signifies in the context of celebrities:
- Visibility and Boldness: This is not a hidden symbol but an explicit, public statement. For celebrities whose hands are constantly in frame, it’s a demonstration of absolute confidence in their choice.
- Sacrifice and Pain: Choosing a painful location (especially for “For Good”) symbolizes a willingness to go through hardship to preserve a connection or an idea. This enhances the emotional weight of the word “forever.”
- Cast Tradition: There is a long-standing tradition in Hollywood of matching tattoos that actors get after completing major projects (e.g., the cast of “The Lord of the Rings” or “The Avengers”). However, Grande and Erivo went further, getting tattoos at the beginning of their journey. This shows not just a celebration of the finale but a solidification of intent and team spirit from day one.
The tattoos, done on the third day of rehearsals, became a kind of unspoken contract between Grande and Erivo. They are a marker of their deep belief in the project and their personal chemistry, which, as they rightly noted, did not depend on the final edit or box office revenue. They captured the process, not the result, which is a rare and sincere approach in commercial cinema.
“Wicked” Hits the Global Stage
While the tattoo community discusses the symbolism of the ink, the “Wicked: For Good” team is preparing for a global invasion. The world press tour and premieres kick off this week, covering key global capitals, including:
- Sao Paulo
- Paris
- London
- Singapore
- New York
The film “Wicked: For Good” is set to be released in theaters on November 21st of this month, and these small yet significant tattoos will undoubtedly add emotional depth to the perception of their on-screen friendship.