‘Wicked’ Cast Cheers Jonathan Bailey on Being Named Sexiest Man Alive: ‘Look at Those Abs’

When People revealed Jonathan Bailey as its 2025 Sexiest Man Alive, the announcement was met with a wave of delighted reactions — many from his Wicked co-stars.
The cast posted a playful video to the film’s social channels honoring Bailey’s new title.

In the clip, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode and director Jon M. Chu appear wearing sweatshirts printed with images from Bailey’s magazine cover shoot as they celebrate their fellow actor’s recognition.

Goldblum offered a florid compliment on camera, joking that Bailey ranks as the sexiest not just on Earth but across the cosmos. Bowen Yang chimed in with a lighthearted remark about one photo that shows Bailey performing on gymnastic rings, quipping that he “looks best in a singlet while doing gymnastics.”

The tributes were not all jokes — many were warm and sincere. Grande highlighted Bailey’s character, calling him generous, brilliant and beautiful on the inside, and Erivo echoed those sentiments, saying the honor only confirms what she’s long known about him.

Erivo also reacted directly on Instagram to People’s joint announcement, writing an enthusiastic congratulations and expressing how thrilled she is that others now see what she already knew.

Bailey’s selection is notable beyond the celebration: on the 40th anniversary of its Sexiest Man Alive issue, People named him the first openly gay man to receive the title. In his cover feature, Bailey discussed founding The Shameless Fund, an initiative that supports organizations resisting anti-LGBTQ+ legislation around the world, and reflected on meeting people doing vital work who inspired him to act.

Watch the Wicked cast’s reaction below:

View this post on Instagram

Source