Following the release of the musical hit in theaters on Friday, November 22, rumors began circulating online that Grande was paid $15 million for her role as Glinda the Good Witch, while Erivo was paid $1 million to play Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West.

Those involved have been doing a ton of press for the film, but why are Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande always crying during Wicked events? Ethan Slater thinks he knows. The Wicked cast list is led by Grande and Erivo,