Ariana Grande Rediscovers Her Passion Through 'Wicked': "It Made Me Feel a Genuine Spark Again"

Ariana Grande expressed her sincere appreciation for the experience of filming 'Wicked,' describing it as a life-changing phase that rekindled her passion for her art. The pop diva discovered new inspiration on the set of Jon M. Chu's ambitious musical adaption after taking a break from the spotlight to concentrate on personal development and new artistic endeavors. 

In addition to being her biggest acting job to date, playing Glinda the Good Witch reignited her love of music, which subsequently inspired the production of her critically acclaimed album 'Eternal Sunshine.' As both Wicked and Grande's career reach new heights, she says the project reminded her why she started creating in the first place.

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From Hiatus to Hollywood Spotlight

Ariana Grande discreetly took a break from the studio and the never-ending cycle of albums and tours after years at the height of her musical career. During this time, she agreed to play Glinda (Galinda Upland) in the movie version of 'Wicked,' the well-known stage play that tells the story of Elphaba and Glinda in Oz. The sequel, 'Wicked: For Good,' is scheduled for release on 21st November, while the original adaption debuted in November 2024.

Grande has openly credited her time on the film as more than just an acting gig. In the 'Shut Up Evan' podcast appearance on 24th October, she shared that on set she "felt like a genuine spark, like a reconnection and inspiration…" and admitted, "maybe it's as simple as I missed it." 

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She went on to say that in order to truly appreciate anything in your life, "you must miss it"—just as she missed music. "I believe I also learned a lot. It was a moment of inspiration, and I had to compose an album. I had to do it," Grande expressed. The role of Glinda became a transformative moment—not only for her acting but for her creative abilities.

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A Dual Win: Glinda's Role and Grande's Revival

The 'Wicked' franchise is massive—the original Broadway show has captivated audiences for years, and its film version brought that story to a global big-screen audience. Grande, who co-stars with Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, has received praise for her portrayal and has even been nominated for an Oscar. Meanwhile, the production's scale and ambition under director Jon M. Chu have also been spotlighted, with Grande sharing her gratitude for the "wildly large production" and how it stretched her creatively.

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Regarding music, Grande recorded her seventh studio album, 'Eternal Sunshine,' during the hectic pace of 'Wicked.' After experiencing that spark on the movie set, she added, she "had to compose an album and I had to do it." The album went on to earn a nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2025 Grammys, marking a powerful comeback.

How 'Wicked' Changed It All for Grande

Playing Glinda was more than simply another credit for Grande; it was a game-changer. She discovered parallels to her own experience in the character's hope, development, and vulnerability. She claimed that going back to the part following the 2023 industry strikes felt "natural," and instantaneous: "No, it was there. There was nothing to find," she revealed.

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She is incredibly grateful since the project provided her a new sense of purpose, inspired her to resume her music career, and rekindled her creative spark. She claims that this time of reconnecting was "inspiring" and that missing the work taught her its worth. Energized, grounded, and thankful for the spark that helped rekindle her fire, Grande appears to be prepared for whatever lies ahead as the 'Wicked' franchise continues, and her musical career expands.

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