Ariana Grande addresses fan criticism of her role in Wicked

Ariana Grande has acknowledged the mixed reactions from fans regarding her casting as Galinda Upland in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked. As a long-time fan of the Broadway musical, she understands the high expectations and challenges that come with stepping into such an iconic role.

During a recent appearance on the Sentimental Men podcast, Grande discussed the audition process for director Jon M. Chu’s adaptation, highlighting the pressure to deliver a performance that resonates with audiences. “This is something I loved so much about auditioning for Wicked,” she shared. “It has to be earned. Being part of something on this scale isn’t just handed to you; it requires hard work to reshape people’s perceptions.”

"This is something I loved so much about auditioning for 'Wicked'," she said, adding, "It has to be earned. Anything on this scale, being a part of anything, it's not just given because they know for one thing. So, it's fun to kind of have the challenge of reframing people's perception and doing the work to earn your way back into the other spaces."

Having been involved in musical theatre since she was eight years old, Grande is aware of the high bar set by fans. She admitted, "I felt a little bit of the initial nervousness or the sort of preconceived notions about what I might be able to deliver or not deliver."

Grande also emphasized that many fans may not realize the extensive training she has undergone to prepare for her role. Reflecting on her own skepticism as a fan, she remarked, “If I were coming from the perspective of Side to Side, I probably would’ve reacted similarly. I might have said, 'Why the f--? I've waited 20 years for this. Kill me.' I would’ve felt that way as a fan only knowing songs like ‘7 Rings.’”

This candid admission reveals her empathy toward the concerns expressed by fans.

Wicked, based on the acclaimed Broadway musical, tells the story of Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo) and Galinda as they meet at Shiz University and embark on a transformative journey involving the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum).

Jon M. Chu was announced as the director for the Universal adaptation in 2021. The first part of Wicked is set to premiere on November 22, 2024, followed by the second part on November 21, 2025.