With over 90 million records sold worldwide and a plethora of awards to her name, music superstar Ariana Grande is once again stealing the spotlight. This year, she has garnered multiple nominations, including Golden Globe, Critics Choice, BAFTA, and SAG, for her stunning performance as Galinda/Glinda in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked. Notably, this role has also earned her a first-ever Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
In a recent episode of the Deadline video series, The Actor’s Side, Ariana Grande opened up about this significant new phase in her career. She discussed the pivotal role of Wicked in her artistic evolution and provided insights into the production of the film’s second part, Wicked: For Good, set to release in November. Grande’s journey in the entertainment industry began with her early acting roles as a teen star on Nickelodeon’s Victorious and its spinoff, Sam and Cat, which helped lay the groundwork for her iconic career.
Grande made her Broadway debut in 2008 in the musical 13, later showcasing her acting chops in Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up. During the conversation, she also reflected on the influence of iconic musicians like Gloria Estefan, who inspired her musical journey. Interestingly, she admitted that performing the Titanic theme, “My Heart Will Go On,” was perhaps her biggest mistake, adding a humorous note to her artistic reflections.
This year undoubtedly marks a peak for Ariana Grande, particularly with her acclaimed role in Wicked. She discussed auditioning extensively to craft the character that has captured the hearts of many. For those eager to hear more about her experiences and thoughts on this exhilarating stage of her career, a video of the full conversation is available. Additionally, a featurette highlighting the comedic elements of her Wicked performance offers fans an inside look at her talents. Stay tuned for more insights during this Oscar season on The Actor’s Side.
