Ariana Grande Reveals Her Intensive 6-Month Preparation for ‘Wicked’ Auditions

If Ariana Grande hadn't secured her role in the ‘Wicked’ movie, she would have been extremely envious. In Jon M. Chu's adaptation of Stephen Schwartz's renowned Broadway musical, the 30-year-old artist takes on the coveted role of Galinda, also known as Glinda the Good, a part she expressed longing for above all others.

In a recent interview on the 'Zach Sang Show,' Grande shared her intense desire for the role, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to audition and recounting how she had been pursuing producer Marc Platt for nearly a decade. She emphasized that her preparation for the auditions spanned six months, involving daily voice and acting lessons, all while juggling her role as a judge on 'The Voice.'

Also Read: ‘Wicked’ Drops First Trailer Featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo

As a Broadway enthusiast since her debut in the musical ‘13,’ Grande described the journey as unfolding exactly as it was meant to be. Host Zach Sang recalled Grande's dedication, likening it to training for the Super Bowl, with the singer showing up early to auditions and committing to daily training.

"I trained every single day," affirmed the Grammy winner, showcasing her determination to prove to the Wicked producers that she could embody the character. Landing the role alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba marked "the best day of my life" for Grande.

Taking on the role of Glinda from Broadway original Kristin Chenoweth, Grande received a stamp of approval from Chenoweth, who declared Grande destined for the part. Other actresses reportedly considered for Glinda included Amanda Seyfried and Dove Cameron.

Reflecting on her experience, Grande mentioned learning and healing through the character of Glinda, attributing the role to aiding in the resolution of personal issues related to her relationship with music and her identity as an artist.

The star-studded cast of ‘Wicked’ also features Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Keala Settle, Ethan Slater, and Michelle Yeoh. ‘Wicked: Part One’ is set to hit theatres on 27th November, with Part Two following on 26th November 2025.

–Farheen Ali