Ariana Grande's connection to Wicked is deeply personal, stretching back to her childhood when she first laid eyes on the Broadway production at just ten years old.
“I loved it to death,” she recalls. “I know my life in two chapters: before seeing Wicked and after seeing Wicked.” Her affection for the show shaped her aspirations, and now at 31, she finds herself stepping fully within the iconic character of Glinda for the upcoming film adaptation.
Grande has been preparing for this role for years, actively seeking out opportunities and vocal training to mold herself for the character. She remembers vividly asking her team to keep track of the film’s progress even before auditions began, anxious to seize the moment when it finally arrived.
When the moment came for the casting announcement, it was more than just good news; it was transformational. “I have never in my life felt the way I did when I found out I got the role of Glinda. I thought, Everything’s going to be okay forever now,” Grande expressed, illustrating just how monumental this role is for her.
Interestingly, the film also gives her the chance to honor her family by including her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera, as her credits. “This feels like the most important, full-circle thing I've ever done, so I wanted to have them both be part of this,” she explained, referring to her parents’ last names.
Ariana’s portrayal as Glinda has garnered wider discussions within the industry, particularly about her potential for receiving accolades. Reports indicate she may be poised to make history as she has the potential to be nominated for Best Supporting Actress and could set records for screen time within this category.