Ariana Grande reacts to controversy about her role in Wicked as Glinda
In response to criticism of her role as Glinda in Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation of the popular Broadway musical Wicked, Ariana Grande has released a statement.
The 31-year-old musician, who is now in Sydney, Australia, promoting the movie, spoke with presenters Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi about her involvement on a recent Sentimental Men podcast.
She described how she felt pressured to face the «challenge» of losing her pop star persona throughout the audition process.
As Ariana acknowledged, «I experienced some of the initial anxiety or the kind of preconceived ideas about what I might be able to deliver or not deliver, or why I would be wrong [for the role] or whatever.»
«I really enjoyed this aspect of trying out for Wicked,» she said.
«You have to earn it.» Being a part of something on this size is not something that just happens because people know you.
Thus, Ariana underlined, «it’s enjoyable to sort of have the challenge of reframing people’s perception and doing the work to earn your way back into the other spaces.»
On November 22, 2024, the first of two Wicked films opens in theaters.
The second episode will follow on November 21, 2025, almost a year later.
Over the weekend, Ariana posted promotional images from the beginning of her press tour to Instagram.
She wore a special pink Vivienne Westwood gown to the film’s Sydney premiere, according to one picture in a carousel post.
«There really aren’t any words,» she remarked to her internet audience. All of you were missed. We appreciate your kind and kind welcome. What a unique way to start the trip.
By tagging boyfriend and co-star Ethan Slater in a picture of him clutching her Vivienne Westwood gown, Grande also made sure to discreetly honor him.
She also reposted a post from a fan account that commemorated the third anniversary of the day she was cast in the role of Glinda.
