Ariana Grande Reflects on the Pressure and Passion Behind Her “Wicked” Role as Glinda
The pop star shares her journey from pop icon to Broadway hopeful, addressing the challenges and high expectations surrounding her casting in the beloved musical adaptation
Ariana Grande, a devoted fan of Wicked, knew she was stepping into iconic shoes when she landed the role of Glinda in Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation of the cherished Broadway hit. As a two-time Grammy winner and longtime admirer of the musical, Grande understood the weight of expectation and the need to prove herself in the role.
Speaking on the Sentimental Men podcast, Grande shared insights into her audition process, calling it both challenging and exhilarating. “Auditioning for Wicked was something I truly loved,” she said. “It felt like something I had to earn. Projects of this scale aren’t handed out based on past success; they require proving yourself in new ways.” For Grande, this role represented a shift—a chance to reframe her public image and showcase her musical theater roots.
Grande, who has been involved in theater since she was eight, understands fans’ high hopes and skepticism. “I felt some of that initial nervousness, the doubts about what I could deliver, or even if I was the right choice,” she admitted, acknowledging that fans hadn’t seen the intensive preparation she went through for the role.
Referring to her own journey, Grande joked that if she only knew herself from pop hits like “Side to Side” and “7 Rings,” she might have questioned the casting too. “I probably would’ve reacted the same way: ‘Why her? This has been my dream for 20 years.’ I get the skepticism because I would have felt it too.”
In Wicked, which is set to bring the Broadway magic to the big screen, Grande’s Glinda will journey alongside Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, as the two characters bond at Shiz University and encounter the Wizard of Oz, played by Jeff Goldblum. The film is eagerly anticipated by fans, who hope the adaptation does justice to the beloved tale.
