The claim that Ariana Grande earned seven times as much as Cynthia Erivo for Wicked is not supported by the reporting reviewed. Universal said the two stars received equal pay for their work; the available reports do not independently verify their contract terms or exact salaries.
What did Universal say about the actors’ pay?
A Universal spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter that reports of a pay disparity were “completely false and based on internet fodder” and that Grande and Erivo “received equal pay for their work on ‘Wicked.’” ABC News also reported the studio’s denial, and Variety reported Universal’s statement that the stars were paid the same amount.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Wicked 2-Film Collection - Blu-ray + Digital | $36.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Wicked (Blu-ray + Digital) | $11.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Wicked: For Good - Blu-ray + Digital | $12.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Wicked: For Good (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital) | $27.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Wicked - 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
This is Universal’s attributed account, not an independently verified comparison of the actors’ contracts. The reports reviewed do not establish the exact salary either performer received.
Where did the seven-times claim come from?
The title’s seven-times figure is not verified by the available reporting. The Independent described a separate viral rumor claiming Grande received $15 million and Erivo $1 million, but presented those figures as a rumor—not confirmed compensation. That 15-to-1 claim does not substantiate the seven-times figure.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
What is Cynthia Erivo’s correct name?
The actor’s surname is spelled Erivo, not “Ervino.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Genre: Musical
- Number of Discs: 1
- Number of Tracks: 0
- Rating: PG
- Director: Jon M. Chu
Rank #4
- Runtime: 138 minutes
Rank #3
Rank #2
- Digital Copy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
