Viewers Say This Star Was 'Robbed' After Not Winning a Golden Globe for Her 'Breathtaking' Performance

This star, celebrated for her impressive vocal range, delivered a captivating performance in a thrilling musical alongside her co-star and left a lasting impression on viewers.

After the Golden Globe awards, fans took to social media to voice their frustration, with many feeling that the movie star's performance deserved far more recognition. Many claimed she was "robbed" and should have taken home an award.

Ariana Grande, a prominent figure in pop culture, holds many titles, including that of a singer, actress, songwriter, and activist. She recently showcased her singing and acting skills, when she starred as Glinda the Good Witch in the 2024 film adaptation of "Wicked."

Her performance, alongside her co-star, Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba in the musical, was well-received and applauded by many fans. The two were also excited when they received the 2025 Golden Globes Awards nominations on December 9, 2024.

Erivo earned a nomination for her role as Elphaba in the Best Performance by a Leading Female Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy category at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards. Meanwhile, Grande was recognized in the Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture for her portrayal of Glinda.

The co-stars called each other upon learning about their nominations. Grande shared, "We were just crying together and screaming, and we sent each other flowers immediately. I'm just really deeply proud of her and of us together and the work that we've done. And to see it be recognized is just so — the weight is more than I could have imagined."

To the dismay of their fans, neither won, sparking a wave of online claims that both Ariana Grande and Erivo were robbed. One fan couldn't hold back their disbelief, saying, "Ariana not getting that award was daylight robbery. Hope she has a better chance at the SAG, Bafta and Academy awards ❤️."

Others felt similarly, with one fan adding, "Ariana not winning a Golden Globe for literally the best movie and acting to come out of 2024 is beyond crazy." The outrage continued as another fan proclaimed, "Ariana Grande was expected to win the title of best actress. You stole this victory from her to give to a woman who didn’t deserve it."

A passionate fan posed the question, "Explain how (…) Zoe Saldana won the golden globe for Emilia Perez OVER ARIANA GRANDE IN WICKED ?!?!? SHE SANG EVERY SONG ON THE SPOT [sic]."

Another fan simply stated, "Ariana Grande should be a golden globe [sic] winner #GoldenGlobes." The sentiment that Ariana deserved the award echoed across fans, "After sweeping awards the way she did, I'm sorry but Ariana should've won the golden globe [sic]."

There was a sense of injustice, as another fan commented, "Ariana and Cynthia losing their golden globe noms [sic] is MESSED UP." A fan shared their disappointment, "It's a shame you robbed them, they well and truly deserved it."

The frustration was palpable, with another fan comparing the situation to a previous year, "I feel so bad that Wicked is being treated exactly like Barbie! It's an exact repeat of last year! I'm happy it finally won a Golden Globe but it should have won more! I feel bad for both Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande! Both their performances deserve more recognition & respect!"

Even movie star Octavia Spencer weighed in on the discussions, praising, "Mesmerizing just breathtaking performances. You killed it. I'm figuring out when I can see it again in theaters."

As much as Grande and Erivo didn't get any awards, the 31-year-old was grateful for the nominations. She noted, "You don't expect something like that when you're in it. You try to just [do] the work and focus on the work, but I was so grateful to do the work every day, and that was the prize to me."

Grande found the experience of simply being recognized emotionally overwhelming and deeply moving. She was also grateful to act alongside Erivo. "Cynthia is amazing. She is so talented. She became like a sister to me," said Grande.

The singer loved the way Cynthia Erivo portrayed Elphaba. "So many amazing women have played these characters, but the way Cynthia brings Elphaba to life is extraordinary," she stated.

Aside from the nominations for Grande and Erivo, "Wicked" also garnered recognition at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, with nods for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy and the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Award.

Luckily, the film secured its first win with these nominations, taking home the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Award. This victory echoes the widespread acclaim from critics, who have praised the film for its striking visuals, powerful performances, and its true-to-form adaptation of the cherished Broadway musical.

John Chu, the film's director, thanked everyone involved in the making of "Wicked," including the cast and the crew, in his acceptance speech. "We love you, thank you and we stand on your shoulders," he enthused.

Chu, Grande, Erivo, and the rest of the "Wicked" cast have also expressed their appreciation for the fans, emphasizing how much their enthusiasm meant to the success of the film.