Ariana Grande, celebrated for her chart-topping hits and powerhouse vocals, took her role as Glinda in the film adaptation of Wicked with immense seriousness, ensuring that the project stayed faithful to the Broadway classic.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Stephen Schwartz, the composer and lyricist of Wicked, revealed details about the creative process during the recording of Popular. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the adaptation aimed to bring a fresh perspective to the beloved musical, but Grande was clear about her priorities: preserving the original spirit of the story and music.
Schwartz recalled how his music team proposed adding a modern, rhythmic twist to the song by incorporating elements of hip-hop. “In the spirit of being open to new things for the movie, my music team and I thought, let’s refresh the rhythm. Let’s, maybe, hip-hop it up a little bit,” he said. However, Grande firmly rejected the idea. “Absolutely not, don’t do it,” she insisted. “I want to be Glinda, not Ariana Grande playing Glinda.”
This dedication highlighted her respect for the musical and her determination to fully embody the character rather than infuse her personal style into the role.
While Grande declined the modern rhythmic change, she collaborated with Schwartz on a subtle new addition to Popular. Schwartz proposed a fresh vocal ending, which he believed would enhance the character’s essence. “Ariana was initially hesitant,” he shared, “but I told her that if I had thought of this for the original show, this is how it would have been.” After understanding that the change reflected Glinda’s character rather than a departure from the musical’s core, Grande agreed.
The Wicked film, based on the Broadway sensation and Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, premiered on November 22. Grande stars as Glinda alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, bringing a story of friendship, rivalry, and transformation to the big screen.
Grande’s insistence on authenticity underscores her respect for the original production, ensuring the film resonates with longtime fans and new audiences alike.
