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Ariana Grande is opening up about her transformative role in the upcoming Wicked movie, sharing insights into the character’s pivotal musical moment and her extensive preparation.
In a recent podcast interview, Grande described her portrayal of Glinda as a career-defining experience. Unlike the original stage production, the film will showcase a critical moment in the character’s development that was previously left offstage.
“It’s a pivotal moment in Glinda’s journey,” Grande explained. “It shows a side of her we’ve never seen before. 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.” The actress invested significant time preparing for the role, taking acting lessons and completely reworking her vocal approach to match musical theater demands.
Grande’s commitment went beyond typical preparation. She spent a year training vocally and emotionally for the role, recognizing the significant responsibility of bringing such an iconic character to life. “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.”
The film, set to release on November 21, promises to offer a deeper exploration of Glinda’s journey. Grande also hinted at additional musical projects, teasing a deluxe version of her album Eternal Sunshine with several new tracks.
“It’s a very special project,” she noted, suggesting fans can expect more musical surprises in the coming months.
