Ariana Grande Talks ‘Wicked 2’ Song & ‘Eternal Sunshine’ Deluxe
Ariana Grande’s Glinda Transformation in ‘Wicked 2’
Ariana Grande career is all about reinvention, and her latest venture into the world of “Wicked” marks her most ambitious role yet. As Glinda, the Good Witch, in the highly anticipated “Wicked 2,” Grande continues her journey of growth and transformation. During a recent chat on the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, Grande opened up about the emotional toll of playing Glinda, her upcoming deluxe album, and her aspirations for the future of movie musicals.
A Dream Role Comes True for Ariana Grande
For Ariana Grande, stepping into the role of Glinda in “Wicked” is a lifelong dream realized. She recalls watching the original Broadway production and idolizing Kristen Chenoweth’s portrayal of the Good Witch. “It’s surreal to think I’m now in those shoes,” Grande says. “It’s the honor of my life.”
But playing Glinda wasn’t just about glamorous costumes and hitting high notes. Grande’s portrayal required deep emotional work as she navigated Glinda’s complex transformation from a privileged socialite to a figure of self-discovery. Grande credits her director, Jon M. Chu, for helping her find the emotional depth of the role, especially during the poignant “No One Mourns the Wicked” scene.
The Emotional Journey of Becoming Glinda
Before landing the role, Grande took months to prepare for the physical and emotional challenges of playing Glinda. “I started acting lessons a year before auditions even happened,” she shares. “I wanted to make sure I was fully ready.” The transition from pop singing to musical theater also required rigorous training. Grande spent months adjusting her voice to hit Glinda’s soprano notes, something she describes as “a complete muscle reframe.”
Despite the preparation, Grande still finds herself processing the enormity of the experience. “Someone yelled ‘Glinda’ at me during a show, and I just started crying,” she admits. “It hit me that this role will stay with me forever.”
A New Song and a New Side of Glinda
Fans of “Wicked” can look forward to a brand-new song for Glinda in “Wicked For Good,” the second installment of the movie. Written by composer Stephen Schwartz, the new song gives a deeper glimpse into Glinda’s character. “It’s a pivotal moment in her journey,” says Grande. “In the stage show, this transformation happens offstage. In the movie, we get to see Glinda make the decision that defines who she is. It’s a privilege to sing this song.”
Grande hopes that this new track will eventually make its way into the Broadway production. “Wouldn’t that be lovely?” she muses, excited about the possibility of the new song taking on a life of its own.
The Future of Ariana Grande’s Music
While “Wicked” may have dominated much of Grande’s recent years, she hasn’t forgotten her roots in music. When asked about the possibility of a deluxe version of her album Eternal Sunshine, Grande lights up. “Oh, she exists!” she confirms. “The new version is in the can. It will include a few new tracks, and I’m excited to surprise my fans with it at some point.”
However, Grande is still mulling over the right timing for its release. “I want to let my children miss me for two seconds,” she laughs. “The new tracks are short but meaningful, and I want to make sure they count.”
Acting Over Music for Now
Although her music career continues to thrive, Grande reveals that she’s currently prioritizing acting over performing. “I considered doing a mini-tour between the ‘Wicked’ films, but I’ve decided to focus on acting for now,” she says. “Performing will always be part of my life, but right now, I want to focus on storytelling through film.”
Ariana Grande’s Vision for Movie Musicals
A lifelong fan of musicals, Grande is passionate about seeing more Broadway shows adapted for the big screen. “I’d love to see ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ and ‘Spamalot’ as movies,” she says. “And ‘Next to Normal’—that’s a show I think would work really well as a film.” She even suggests updating “Avenue Q” for a modern movie adaptation. “But we’d need to update it a little bit,” she adds.
What’s Next for Ariana Grande?
As for future roles, Grande isn’t sure where her career will go next. “I’m so focused on ‘Wicked’ right now that I haven’t thought about the next role yet,” she admits. “But I want to stay in this world for a while. Acting feels like home to me in a way I didn’t expect. It’s a joy to tell stories through film and music, and I want to keep growing.”
With “Wicked” dominating the awards circuit, Grande is already a frontrunner for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars. As the film prepares for its big release, it’s clear that Grande is entering a new era in her career—one where acting and music seamlessly intertwine.
Conclusion:
Ariana Grande continues to evolve as both an artist and an actress, with “Wicked” being the most defining moment of her career so far. Whether it’s through her portrayal of Glinda or her upcoming deluxe album, Grande is determined to leave a lasting mark on both the film and music industries. With her heart in the world of musicals, the future looks bright for Ariana Grande’s next chapter.