Ariana Grande shared her fervent commitment to maintaining the emotional integrity of her character Glinda in the film adaptation of Wicked during a recent conversation with Billie Eilish at the DGA Theater. The Oscar nominee humorously described herself as a “protective nerd” amidst the audience, conveying her non-negotiable stances on any changes made when transitioning the beloved stage musical into a cinematic experience.
Grande articulated her purist approach to musical modifications, stating, “I’m somewhat of a purist when it comes to making musical changes, especially it has to have an emotional attachment or some sort of believable intention behind it.” She expressed a deep responsibility to safeguard Glinda’s character, highlighting her dedication to authenticity in the adaptation process.
During the event, Grande revealed an interesting tidbit about the creative development of the song “Popular,” originally intended to feature hip hop drums. She recounted that “Steven Schwartz shared that there was a version in the very beginning that had hip hop drums in it,” noting her apprehensions about such a radical change, and how she believed it would detract from Glinda’s essence. Grande humorously challenged the concept, asking, “How do I have this conversation in the most loving, respectful way?”
In light-hearted fashion, she recounted how she confidently asserted, “This cannot happen,” reflecting her firm belief that “everybody, there’s a time and place, and it’s not with Glinda because she claps on one and three, and that’s OK.” Her authenticity resonates with fans who value the original material and the emotional depth that accompanies the characters’ portrayals.
Throughout the evening, Grande and Eilish exchanged mutual admiration, with Eilish expressing her lifelong fandom for Grande. “I love this girl so much, and I love this movie so much,” Eilish proclaimed, to which Grande responded that the feelings were reciprocated. Eilish shared a nostalgic personal anecdote about her early admiration for Grande, recalling how she had commented, “I’m team Ari,” on an old interview when she was just eleven.
As their conversation evolved, Eilish inquired if Grande was interested in pursuing more acting roles. Grande eagerly responded, “I would love that,” emphasizing her desire to explore multiple artistic outlets. “We are so lucky to be able to do so many artistic things. We wear many hats,” she concluded, underscoring her passion for both music and acting.
The dedication that Ariana Grande showcases for her role in Wicked exemplifies her commitment to preserving the story’s emotional and musical authenticity, fostering anticipation for the film’s release. Grande’s protective passion shines through, ensuring that Glinda’s character remains true to the essence of what audiences have loved in the stage production.
