Ariana Grande is feeling so heartbroken after being forced to miss one of the biggest nights of her year — the Brazil premiere of Wicked: For Good.
The 32-year-old singer and actress, who stars as Glinda in the highly anticipated film, took to Instagram Stories early Tuesday morning (November 4) to share the disappointing news that she wouldn’t make it to São Paulo due to travel complications.
“Brazil, I can’t believe this is happening and I am beyond devastated to be sending this message,” she began in her post.
According to Ariana, her team had to suddenly deplane after their aircraft required maintenance for a safety issue — grounding her flight completely. “A few hours ago, my team and I had to deplane our flight, as they had to do maintenance on the plane due to a safety issue and it will not be taking off until 11am tomorrow which means that I would not be making it in time for the Wicked For Good São Paulo premiere.”
She went on to explain how she and her team scrambled to find any alternative route. “My team and Universal have tried every single thing possible to fix this, we’ve searched every other flight, overnight, early morning, connecting flights, commercial and also private options and absolutely nothing was available or possible that would get us there in time,” Ariana continued. “Even in attempting a private option, there is a permit necessary in order to fly from here that takes time to attain.”
Clearly heartbroken, she added, “I am so heartbroken that I’m unable to be there with you all. We sincerely tried everything we could and I apologize from the bottom of my heart. Please shower my incredible castmates with all of the love that I wish I could be showering you with and have the most beautiful celebration. And again, I am so, so very sorry.”
Hours later, Ariana returned to Instagram with another emotional message, asking fans not to take their frustration too far. “Please don’t wish danger on us. We did everything we could and I promise you no one is more upset than I am,” she wrote. “I promise no matter how upset or disappointed you are, please please do not wish danger on us or assume that we didn’t try.”
She added context about her packed schedule leading up to the event: “There was no other time for me to leave and these plans have been booked for months. I wrapped another film on the 31st and I worked all day the 1st and the 2nd as well, just the same as Jonny, Cyn and Jon have been working, we all were scheduled to leave the same day. It just so happened that this plane had a safety problem and I have explained why finding another option was impossible.”
“I have been looking forward to this moment for a year, so please know how disappointed I am,” she concluded. “Sending lots of love to you all. I hope it’s a beautiful and safe night. I love Brazil, I always have, I always will.”
While Ariana couldn’t make it, co-stars Jonathan Bailey, Cynthia Erivo, and director Jon M. Chu were all confirmed to attend. The Wicked: For Good global tour continues in Paris (Nov. 7), London (Nov. 10), Singapore (Nov. 13), and New York (Nov. 17).
