- Ariana Grande plays Glinda in Wicked, and its sequel, Wicked: For Good
- And now the actor has revealed the ‘emotional process’ behind the title song
- Grande also opened up about a new song for her character in the second film
Ariana Grande wowed fans with her portrayal of Glinda in the movie adaptation of the 2003 Broadway musical, Wicked.
And although they will have to wait until November 21 this year to see the second part of the story, the actor, 31, has let her loyal followers in on a few behind the scenes secrets.
Speaking to the Variety Awards Circuit podcast, Grande admitted that one song in Wicked Part 2 had made her particularly emotional.
For Good is a duet between Glinda and Elphaba, who is played by Cynthia Erivo in the movies. The track sees both friends reveal how the other has impacted their life.
Explaining her thoughts on the song, Grande said, “Shooting For Good was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It was such a long and emotional process. I kind of left my body.
“We filmed 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 all of it again.”
Ariana Grande started acting lessons ‘a year before Wicked role’
Although many actors – including Amanda Seyfried and Dove Cameron – auditioned for the role of Glinda, it’s hard to believe anyone other than Grande could have been right for the role.
But the Dangerous Woman singer was determined to get the part – and put in a lot of hard work to get it.
“I started acting lessons a year before I even knew when the auditions were happening,” she revealed. “I wanted to make sure I was ready.
“Transforming my voice to sing Glinda’s soprano parts took months. Pop singing and musical theater are so different. I had to retrain my muscles and reframe how I approached every note.”
And Grande’s work didn’t cease to stop – even after being awarded the part.
“From the moment it was announced, I realized this role would live with me forever,” she explained. “It’s an honor, but it also comes with so much 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 had.
Grande added, “Someone yelled ‘Glinda!’ at me when I was at a show, and I just started crying. It hit me that this role will stay with me forever, and I’m so grateful for that.”
Ariana Grande reveals new Wicked song
Grande also opened up about a brand new song that her character will sing in Wicked Part 2 – the sequel which is officially titled Wicked: For Good.
Composed by Stephen Schwartz, who wrote the original Wicked score, Grande explained that it is “a pivotal moment in Glinda’s journey”.
“It shows a side of her we’ve never seen before,” she continued. “In the stage show, this transformation happens offstage. But in the movie, we get to see her make the decision that defines who she is.
“It’s a privilege to sing this song and be the first Glinda to bring it to life.”
