Ariana Grande Butera wearing custom Thom Browne arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Universal Pictures' 'Wicked' held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at The Music Center on November 9, 2024 in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency)
Pop superstar Ariana Grande has revealed that the upcoming sequel to the hit musical film Wicked, titled Wicked: For Good, will feature an original song written specifically for her character, Glinda the Good Witch. Grande, who reprises her role in the second installment of Jon M. Chu’s adaptation, shared on Variety’s Award Circuit podcast that this new track will show a side of Glinda “we’ve never seen before.”
“It’s a pivotal moment in Glinda’s journey,” the 31-year-old Grammy winner said. “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.”
The song, composed by Stephen Schwartz—who penned the original Broadway score—marks a significant departure from the theatrical version of Wicked. Grande expressed her excitement, describing it as “a privilege to sing this song and be the first Glinda to bring it to life.”
Grande also spoke candidly about the rigorous preparation she underwent to accurately portray Glinda’s soprano parts.
“I started acting lessons a year before I even knew when the auditions were happening,” she revealed. “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. I had to retrain my muscles and reframe how I approached every note.”
She added that from the moment the casting was announced, she understood the role would follow her throughout her career. Calling the opportunity “an honour” that carries “so much weight,” Grande explained, “Glinda isn’t just a character to me — she’s a symbol of growth and love, and I wanted to give her everything I had.”
Wicked, which co-stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, has already found critical acclaim. The film shattered box-office records, grossing $634 million worldwide after just six weeks in theaters—surpassing Mamma Mia’s previous record of $611 million set in 2008.
In her three-star review for The Independent, critic Clarisse Loughrey lauded Grande and Erivo for their “phenomenal vocal talents.” The digital version of the film, now available for purchase, includes several deleted scenes, one of which offers a vulnerable exchange between Glinda and Elphaba.
Director Jon M. Chu admitted it was “one of the hardest scenes to cut,” explaining how it added depth to Glinda’s perspective. Although left out of the final theatrical release, the extra footage provides fans with more insight into the beloved characters’ evolving relationship.
Wicked: For Good is scheduled for release on November 21, with Grande once again taking center stage as Glinda. The newly teased original song promises to give audiences a fresh glimpse into one of musical theatre’s most iconic characters — one that Ariana Grande has dedicated extensive time and effort to making her own.
Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com
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