Ariana Grande is embracing a new chapter in her career with her performance as Glinda in Wicked Part 1, which marks a significant departure from her pop star persona. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Grande opened up about how stepping into the character of Glinda allowed her to shed her “pop star” image and explore a completely different identity. As one of the most celebrated musicians worldwide, with 18 Grammy nominations to her name, this transition into acting is proving to be a new milestone for the multi-talented star.
Grande explained how the music industry can often turn personal work into something beyond the artist’s control. She said, “At a certain point, you get tired of that [pop star] character because it is a character,” acknowledging that while music initially feels personal, it eventually becomes a collective experience for the audience, which can sometimes distance the artist from the original creation.
For Grande, the experience of playing Glinda has been deeply fulfilling. She explained, “Beneath all of it is just a girl from Boca who loves art,” revealing that portraying Glinda was not just about playing a character, but about shedding her own persona and embracing a new one. This transformation was not just on-screen but also a healing experience for her personally, as she took on a new role and a new mask, leaving behind the expectations tied to her pop career.
Director Jon M. Chu also shared that Grande connected deeply with her character, often discussing how her own life experiences mirrored Glinda’s challenges. The actress found a way to empathize with the character’s journey, drawing from her own growth and the struggles she faced.
As Wicked continues to capture audiences and rack up award nominations, fans are eagerly awaiting its release on streaming platforms, where they’ll be able to see Grande’s powerful performance as Glinda. This film is shaping up to be a major achievement in her career, proving that her talents extend far beyond music.