Ariana Grande’s career is one of transformation. From her Nickelodeon beginnings to her pop career, she’s mastered reinvention. Now, in her most ambitious role yet, she’s poised to dazzle the Oscars as Glinda, the Good Witch, in Universal Pictures’ hit Wicked. But Grande’s adventure into the emerald world of Oz is more than just a role — it’s a manifestation of her life’s dream, one she’s earned through hard work, dedication, and, as she puts it, “a lot of love.”
In conversation during diverse Awards Circuit podcast, Grande spoke about the deeply personal journey she’s become on Glinda, the emotional impact of “Wicked,” her plans to release a deluxe edition of her album, and her thoughts on what the future of movie musicals should look like. Listen below.
Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Director Jon M. Chu, “Wicked” (Giles Kitt/Universal Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection)
©Universal/Courtesy Everett Cole
Grande’s association with “Wicked” began long before she stepped onto the set. She remembers seeing the original Broadway production and falling in love with Kristin Chenoweth’s Glinda. “I saw Kristen, and it was heaven,” Grande says. “It’s surreal to think I’m wearing these shoes — the shoes I’ve adored since I was a kid. It’s the honor of my life.”
But playing Glinda wasn’t just about hitting high notes and wearing sparkling gowns. It required emotional depth and study of a character who evolves from a privileged socialite to someone grappling with loss and self-discovery.
While Grande’s involvement in “Wicked” may seem coincidental, her preparation for the role was rigorous. “I started acting lessons a year before I knew when the auditions were going to take place,” she says. “I wanted to make sure I was ready. Transforming my voice to sing the soprano parts for Glenda took months. Pop singing and musical theater are very different. I had to retrain my muscles and rework the way I approached each note.”
Even after landing the role, Grande knew the responsibility she had as Glinda. “From the moment it was announced, I knew this role would live with me forever. It’s a huge honor, but it also comes with a lot of weight. I wanted to do it justice. “Glinda isn’t just a character to me – she’s a symbol of growth and love, and I wanted to give her everything “I hope.”
Grande credits her director, Jon M. Chu, for helping her navigate the complexities of Glinda’s emotional arc. “He is a brilliant artist,” she says passionately. “There’s a lot of nuance to Glinda’s character, especially in ‘No One Mourns for the Wicked.’ She mourns for her best friend while putting on a brave face for the people of Oz. It’s a scene about loss, guilt, and forgiveness, and John helped me find the balance between those layers.
Grande’s connection to “Wicked” runs deep. “I grew up watching ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and dreamed of being in a musical like this,” she says. “It’s strange to think that something I showed when I was a kid became real. But it wasn’t just a facade, it took a lot of hard work. My mom always taught me that nothing is out of reach if you’re kind, work hard, and believe in yourself. That’s what She carried him in this role.
Naturally, the original 1939 film is one of the first films to inspire her love of acting, but that was not the case. I also set out to do an impression of Marisa Tomei’s Oscar-winning performance in “My Cousin Vinny” (1992) — the famous “Imagine you’re a deer…” speech — which may serve as a new key memory.
However, with all the preparation, Grande says she’s still processing the enormity of the experience, even before anyone sees the movie. “Someone yelled ‘Glinda!’ at me when I was at a show, and I just started crying,” she says as her voice begins to crack with emotion. “I was blown away that this role would stay with me forever, and I’m so grateful for that.”
One of the pivotal moments Grande teases in the upcoming film’s sequel, “Wicked For Good,” will be the famous duet between Glinda and Elphaba (played by Oscar-contender co-star Cynthia Erivo). “Filming For Good was unlike anything I had ever experienced before,” Grande says. It was a long and emotional process. I kind of left my body. We shot it over the course of a week, and it stayed with me. I haven’t even seen the final cut yet because I’m not sure I’m ready to feel it all again.
The sequel, scheduled for release on November 21, also offers something new for fans of the beloved musical: an all-new song for Glinda, written by composer Stephen Schwartz. “It’s a pivotal moment in Glenda’s journey,” Grande reveals. “It shows a side of her that we haven’t seen before. In the stage show, this transformation happens offstage. But in the film, we see her make the decision that defines who she is. It’s a great honor to sing this song and be the first Glinda to bring it to life.”
Grande hopes Schwartz’s original composition will one day make its way into a theatrical production. “Wouldn’t that be nice?” She’s thinking.
Ariana Grande, “Wicked” (Universal Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection)
©Universal/Courtesy Everett Cole
Although Grande’s final years were dominated by “Wicked,” she never forgot her roots in music. When asked about the existence of a deluxe edition of her latest album, “Eternal Sunshine,” she beamed: “Oh, it does!”
The new version, as she explained, is “in the can” and will include some new songs. “It’s a very special project,” Grande says. “I’m there a lot more now. I want to let my kids miss me for two seconds. I’m excited to surprise them with it at some point, but I’m still thinking about the timing in my head. “It’s not the end of Peaches yet, but it’s going into the closet for a minute.”
She continues: “The album is very short, and I did not want to add songs just for the sake of it. The new tracks are short, but really important.
As for the live shows? Fans may have to wait. “I was thinking about doing a short tour between the Wicked movies, but I decided to prioritize acting for now,” she explains. “Performing will always be a part of my life, but I want to focus on this chapter of storytelling through film.”
Grande has always been a fan of musical theater, and is excited to see more Broadway shows adapted for the big screen. “I would love to watch The Drowsy Chaperone and Spamalot as films,” she says. She goes on to name “Next to Normal” and “Avenue Q,” the show that beat out “Wicked” at the 2004 Tony Awards. “But we need to freshen it up a little bit.”
When asked if there was a dream role she would like to play next, Grande demurred. “I have no idea,” she admits. “Right now, I’m very focused on Wicked and soaking it all up. But I know I want to stay in that world for a while. Acting feels like home to me in a way I didn’t expect. It’s fun to tell stories, whether it’s through music or film.” Or comedy, I want to keep growing and exploring.”
With “Wicked” dominating awards season, Grande is taking it all very seriously. When I sat with her diverseShe was the leader of the Critics’ Awards for winning Supporting Actress. As of now, she is linked to Margaret Qualley (“The Substance”) and Zoe Saldaña (“Emilia Perez”).
The truth surprised her, as she turned to her team members to ask if this was true. “It’s all very surreal,” she says. “I’m grateful to be here, as part of this magical story, and to share it with the world. It’s more than I ever dreamed possible.”
As the lights of Oz shine brighter, one thing is clear: Ariana Grande isn’t just playing Glinda, she’s Glinda. And for fans of the actress, singer and star, this is just the beginning of her next work.
Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast, hosted by Clayton Davis, Jaz Tangkai, Emily Longeretta, Jenelle Reilly, and Michael Schneider, who also produces, is your one-stop source for lively conversations about the best in film and television. Each episode of “Awards Circuit” includes interviews with top film and TV talent and creators, discussions and debates on award races, industry headlines, and more. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you download podcasts.