{"id":2167847,"date":"2025-11-20T03:22:37","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T03:22:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2167847"},"modified":"2025-11-20T03:22:37","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T03:22:37","slug":"for-good-is-leaving-audiences-audibly-sobbing-as-cynthia-erivo-and-ariana-grande-return-for-act-ii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/for-good-is-leaving-audiences-audibly-sobbing-as-cynthia-erivo-and-ariana-grande-return-for-act-ii\/","title":{"rendered":"For Good Is Leaving Audiences \u2018Audibly Sobbing\u2019 As Cynthia Erivo And Ariana Grande Return For Act II"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div data-article-body=\"true\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><i>When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.<\/i><\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Credit: Universal Pictures<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The moment we\u2019ve all been waiting a year for has arrived \u2014 the second half of Jon M. Chu\u2019s <em>Wicked<\/em> adaptation is hitting the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/entertainment\/upcoming-movies-2025-movie-release-130453990.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:2025 movie calendar;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\">2025 movie calendar<\/a>. <em>Wicked: For Good<\/em> \u2014 or, as the director calls it, \u201c<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/entertainment\/movies\/articles\/jon-m-chu-gets-real-221122104.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:the most compelling side of the story;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\">the most compelling side of the story<\/a>\u201d \u2014 depicts Act II of the Broadway production and hits theaters on November 21. The first movie <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/entertainment\/wicked-breaks-box-office-records-221510400.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:broke box office records;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\">broke box office records<\/a> and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/entertainment\/wicked-nears-700-million-worldwide-013135845.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:earned more than $700 million worldwide;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\">earned more than $700 million worldwide<\/a>, so will Chu stick the landing?<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Critics have seen Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo come together as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West for the grand finale, and according to <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/entertainment\/movies\/articles\/wicked-good-review-act-2-183636922.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:CinemaBlend's review of Wicked: For Good;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\"><u>CinemaBlend&#8217;s review of <\/u><u><em>Wicked: For Good<\/em><\/u><\/a>, audiences can expect more stunning visuals, remarkable performances and beautiful music. For our own Riley Utley, the darker second act doesn&#8217;t outshine the first, but she still rates it 4 stars out of 5, writing:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"mb-4 border-l-2 pl-5 italic text-tertiary\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">I find this story about Elphaba and her battle with the Wizard a tad hit-or-miss, with some subplots and characters left underdeveloped and me less invested in the narrative. Combine that with my already big feelings about Act 1, and you get a recipe for mixed emotions. That being said, Wicked: For Good is still absolutely wonderful. The story is touching, it\u2019s beautifully made, and it provides a fulfilling conclusion to this Ozian epic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/deadline.com\/2025\/11\/wicked-for-good-review-jon-chus-part-2-musical-adaptation-1236620980\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Deadline\u2019s Pete Hammond;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Deadline\u2019s Pete Hammond<\/a>, meanwhile, thinks <em>Wicked: For Good<\/em> soars even higher than the first, which is a pretty big ask, considering how masterful the first movie was. Hammond says:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"mb-4 border-l-2 pl-5 italic text-tertiary\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Both Erivo and Grande could not be better, and in fact Grande really gets a chance to shine here and runs away with the picture whenever she is on screen. Erivo\u2019s Elphaba remains the juiciest role and she defines it with the mortality only movies can bring. Bailey is terrific again, and Goldblum\u2019s Wizard really comes into deep focus now and he\u2019s got it going on. Marissa Bode\u2019s wheelchair-bound Nessarose is given some key screen time and delivers in a piece of casting that is as inspiring as the character she plays.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theatermania.com\/news\/review-wicked-for-good-flies-to-epic-heights-with-cynthia-and-ariana-at-their-very-best_1812519\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:David Gordon of TheaterMania;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">David Gordon of TheaterMania<\/a> agrees that the lead actresses are at their best, particularly Cynthia Erivo, whose magnetism radiates off of the screen with musical numbers that feel like a thrill ride. Expanding the story of the theater production&#8217;s hourlong second act into a full feature gives the story room to breathe, with certain plots deepened and intensified. The critic says:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"mb-4 border-l-2 pl-5 italic text-tertiary\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Darker, sexier, and more emotional than Wicked: Part One, For Good is all action, plugging the holes of the musical\u2019s maligned second act with new songs and augmented story details. Wicked: For Good feels familiar, but it\u2019s painting on a much wider canvas than its predecessor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The previous critic couldn\u2019t take his eyes off of Cynthia Erivo, but for <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hollywoodreporter.com\/movies\/movie-reviews\/wicked-for-good-review-cynthia-erivo-ariana-grande-musical-1236426337\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:THR\u2019s David Rooney;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">THR\u2019s David Rooney<\/a>, Ariana Grande steals the show as she brings \u201cluminous life\u201d to Glinda. <em>Wicked<\/em> has historically favored Elphaba\u2019s complex story of persecution, but <em>For Good<\/em> elevates Glinda\u2019s story to a level playing field without significantly changing the well-known narrative. Rooney says fans will \u201crejoicify\u201d:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"mb-4 border-l-2 pl-5 italic text-tertiary\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Make no mistake, Erivo remains a powerhouse, with pipes that shake the heavens and a wellspring of unforced emotional intensity that never runs dry. \u2026 But Grande\u2019s conceited blonde bubblehead gains in stature here as Glinda assumes statesmanlike responsibility to spread goodness in Oz, while experiencing crushing romantic disappointment that humbles her and deflates her vanity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vulture.com\/article\/review-wicked-for-good-is-actually-better-than-the-first.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Bilge Ebiri of Vulture;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Bilge Ebiri of Vulture<\/a> says <em>Wicked: For Good<\/em> is notably darker than its predecessor, which is a good thing. It\u2019s also more focused and more human, bringing the full movie to a surprisingly satisfying conclusion that left audience members in tears. The critic writes:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"mb-4 border-l-2 pl-5 italic text-tertiary\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Director Jon M. Chu has somehow pulled it off. Wicked: For Good is shorter than the first film and, while it might be a step back in terms of spectacle, it\u2019s a leap forward in (go ahead, laugh) subtlety and emotion. My audience was audibly sobbing by the end.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">For some critics, however, not even Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo\u2019s powerhouse performances could completely overshadow the supposed misstep of making us wait a year for this conclusion.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indiewire.com\/criticism\/movies\/wicked-for-good-review-part-2-1235160567\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Kate Erbland of IndieWire;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Kate Erbland of IndieWire<\/a> gives the movie a B-, saying that too much time has passed to remember important plot points and character machinations without a rewatch of <em>Wicked: Part I<\/em>. However, we couldn\u2019t ask for more from the leading duo, either in terms of personifying their characters or their singing. The critic continues:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"mb-4 border-l-2 pl-5 italic text-tertiary\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Much like Wicked, Wicked: For Good works its way up to a massive duet between the pair, so emotionally resonant than even the most wicked of audience members will still likely shed a tear (the song is, of course, \u2018For Good\u2019). It\u2019s an unmitigated high note, but it\u2019s a lonely one indeed. Is it alone worth the wait? Maybe, why couldn\u2019t the entire film feel that way?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">It sounds like fans of the first movie are in for more thrills in this story\u2019s emotional conclusion. Regardless of whether a year was too long to wait, at least that wait is over, as <em>Wicked: For Good<\/em> hits theaters on Friday, November 21. If you do need a refresher before heading out, <em>Wicked: Part I<\/em> is available to stream with an <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cinemablend.com\/streaming-news\/amazon-prime-subscription-the-plan-the-price-and-whats-included%20https:\/\/www.cinemablend.com\/streaming-news\/netflix-subscription-the-plans-the-price-and-whats-included\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Amazon Prime Video subscription;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Amazon Prime Video subscription<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Universal Pictures The moment we\u2019ve all been waiting a year for has arrived \u2014 the second half of Jon M. Chu\u2019s Wicked adaptation is hitting the 2025 movie calendar. Wicked: For Good \u2014 or, as the director [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2167848,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25172],"tags":[24076,40246,357874],"class_list":["post-2167847","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entertainment","tag-ariana-grande","tag-cynthia-erivo","tag-wicked"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/For-Good-Is-Leaving-Audiences-\u2018Audibly-Sobbing-As-Cynthia-Erivo.jpeg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2167847","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2167847"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2167847\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2167849,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2167847\/revisions\/2167849"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2167848"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2167847"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2167847"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2167847"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}