Ariana Grande
XNY/Star Max/GC imagesAriana Grande opened the emotional process of recording Wicked: For goodteasing a new song for Glinda as well as a major transformation for the character.
While appearing on Diversity“Awards Circuit Podcast,” released Saturday, Jan. 11, Grande, 31, opened up about recording “For Good,” the iconic Glinda and Elphaba duet (Cynthia Erivo). For the uninitiated, the song marks a pivotal moment for the characters in the upcoming Wicked continuation.
“Filming ‘For Good’ was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” Grande said. “It was such a long and emotional process. I kind of left my body. We shot it for a week and it stayed with me. I haven’t even seen the final part yet because I’m not sure if I’m ready to feel it all again.”
Wicked: For good it will also feature a brand new song for Glinda, written by the composer Stjepan Švarc for the movie.
Ariana Grande credits her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo with helping her “heal certain parts” of herself. Grande, 31, and Erivo, 37, opened up about their friendship in an interview with The New York Times published Wednesday, Nov. 6. “I feel really inspired by her fierce ability to be honest and protect herself,” (…)
“It’s a pivotal moment in Glinda’s journey,” Grande reveals. “It shows a side of her that we’ve never seen before. In a stage play, this transformation happens offstage. But in the film we see her make a decision that defines who she is. It is a privilege to sing this song and be the first Glinda to bring it to life.”
She originally played Glinda Kristin Chenoweth in Wicked on Broadway. Talking to DiversityGrande went on to reflect on her own interpretation of the character, saying, “From the moment it was announced, I knew this role would live with me forever.”
She continued: “It’s an honor, but it comes with so much weight. I wanted to do it justice. Glinda is not just a character to me – she is a symbol of growth and love, and I wanted to give her everything I had.”
Direction John M. Chu, Wicked is based on the Broadway musical and Gregory Maguire1995 novel of the same name Follows the story of Elphaba, known as the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, known as Glinda the Good Witch, before and during the events The Wizard of Oz as their relationship evolves from rival roommates to best friends, set against the backdrop of social turmoil in the land of Oz.
Erivo, for her part, also gushed about one of them new songs below in the December 2024 episode Diversity“Award Chatter” podcast.
“I collaborated on one of the new songs and it’s so special to me,” she said at the time. “When we filmed it, the whole team was in tears. I hope the audience is ready – it’s a song that speaks to the heart of who Elphaba is.”
She continued, “We dive deeper into the consequences of character choices. The story is richer and the stakes are higher. It’s not just a sequel; it is a transformation.”
Wicked is now in theaters and available to rent and buy on digital platforms. To be continued, under the title Wicked: For goodarrives in theaters on November 21.