Ariana Grande Originally Auditioned to Play Elphaba in Wicked Instead of Glinda
In a shocking twist, Ariana Grande initially auditioned for the role of Elphaba in the 2024 film adaptation of the musical Wicked, not Glinda. Director John M. Chu has confirmed that Grande was miscommunicated about the role, thinking she was auditioning for Elphaba when she was actually meant for Glinda.
Despite Grande’s impressive acting and singing skills, Chu believes she is better suited for the role of Glinda. He notes that Grande’s strengths, such as her comedic delivery and physicality, are perfectly suited for the bubbly and delusional character. Chu states that Grande’s rendition of Glinda’s signature song “Popular” convinced him that she was meant for the role.
However, had Grande been cast as Elphaba, it’s likely that the character would have been made more comedic to suit Grande’s skills. This would have resulted in a very different performance from Cynthia Erivo’s iconic portrayal of Elphaba.
Grande’s chemistry with Erivo is undeniable, and their friendship is a highlight of the film. Grande’s vocals are also praised for being iconic, but her rendition of Elphaba would have been distinct from Erivo’s performance. The film ultimately benefited from Grande’s Glinda, which is a testament to her talent and dedication.
In conclusion, Grande’s initial audition for Elphaba was a blessing in disguise, as her perfect portrayal of Glinda brings a new level of energy and humor to the film. The unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda is a central part of the story, and Grande’s performance complements Erivo’s beautifully.