Fresh Air Episode Summary: Ariana Grande Loves Being In A 'Beautiful Coven'

Podcast Information:

• Title: Fresh Air
• Host: Tonya Moseley, NPR
• Episode: Ariana Grande Loves Being In A 'Beautiful Coven'
• Release Date: February 4, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Fresh Air, host Tonya Moseley sits down with Grammy-winning pop sensation and Oscar-nominated actress Ariana Grande. The conversation delves deep into Ariana's transformative role as Galinda in the highly acclaimed film adaptation of the musical Wicked. The episode explores Ariana's journey from her early days as a theater enthusiast to her rigorous preparation for the role, her collaboration with co-star Cynthia Erivo, and the cultural impact of the film.

Ariana's Connection to Wicked

Ariana Grande's lifelong admiration for Wicked began at the tender age of ten when she first witnessed the Broadway production. This experience profoundly divided her life into two distinct chapters: before and after Wicked.

[02:54] Ariana Grande: "From the moment I first saw the musical on Broadway at 10 years old, my life was divided into two chapters, before Wicked and after."

The themes of sisterhood and the complex friendship between Galinda and Elphaba resonated deeply with her, inspiring her to pursue acting with a newfound passion.

[03:42] Ariana Grande: "I think the themes of sisterhood... embody true, unconditional love and friendship in a way that I hadn't seen portrayed in a story before."

The Audition Process

Ariana recounts the challenging audition process for Wicked, highlighting her determination and the support she received from established Broadway stars like Kristin Chenoweth.

[04:55] Ariana Grande: "She was very supportive of me throughout the course of my audition process... getting the green light from her to kind of play and improv and put my own spin on her was such a helpful and beautiful gift to receive."

Despite initial doubts about transitioning from pop music to musical theater, Ariana's extensive preparation and vocal training paid off.

[06:40] Ariana Grande: "I know what's required of Glinda... I have to be able to earn this and have every tool in my box available to me to use."

Voice Training and Vocal Challenges

Preparing for the role of Galinda demanded significant vocal adjustments. Ariana trained extensively with her vocal coach to adapt her pop-centric voice to the operatic demands of the character.

[06:42] Ariana Grande: "I started training with my vocal coach three months before my first audition to train my voice to sing in a coloratura soprano placement..."

She also discusses the technical aspects of her vocal range, including her mastery of the whistle register, which she strategically employs to enhance emotional expression in her performances.

[14:15] Ariana Grande: "Not too often. I feel like it has to be, you know, not without emotional intention... sometimes it's more emotional, sometimes it's different, sometimes it's stronger..."

Collaboration with Cynthia Erivo

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Ariana's collaboration with co-star Cynthia Erivo, who portrays Elphaba. Despite multiple callbacks with different actresses, Ariana and Cynthia's on-screen chemistry was meticulously fostered off-camera.

[18:00] Ariana Grande: "Pieces of both of these women exist within all of us... because of the incredible nuance and humanness that lives within both of them, that's why they both live in all of us..."

Ariana emphasizes the importance of building a genuine friendship to navigate the high-stakes environment of filming a major musical production.

[27:08] Ariana Grande: "We knew it was going to be years and years of some of the hardest work of our lives... I want us to be able to give ourselves over to it in the healthiest way possible."

Filming Process and Live Singing

One of the standout aspects of the film discussed is the commitment to live singing on set, a departure from the common practice of using pre-recorded tracks in musical films. Ariana explains the logistical challenges and the dedication required to maintain vocal authenticity throughout filming.

[22:39] Ariana Grande: "We are singers. We love to sing... it would have felt dishonest to not sing live for this."

The technical prowess of the sound team, led by Simon Hayes, ensured high-quality audio despite the complexities of filming with live performances.

[24:13] Ariana Grande: "Simon Hayes... turned the set into a recording studio... if a gust of wind came or rain... he was able to protect the quality."

Cultural Impact and Personal Reflections

Ariana reflects on the cultural significance of the Wicked film, noting its accessibility to a broader audience compared to the Broadway production. She shares heartfelt anecdotes about how the musical has served as a sanctuary for many young theater enthusiasts, mirroring her own experiences.

[44:25] Ariana Grande: "It's an incredible privilege to be a part of this version of it and to have it be so accessible to so many people... it was always with me."

She also touches upon the role of music and art as lifelines for individuals facing personal challenges, underscoring the universal resonance of Wicked's themes.

[46:26] Ariana Grande: "It's an emotional, moving thing when music and art can do that."

Ariana's Artistic Journey and Impersonations

Beyond her role in Wicked, Ariana delves into her artistic evolution from a teen pop star to a versatile performer embracing both mainstream pop and soulful R&B. She discusses her early inspirations and her love for powerful vocalists like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

[37:54] Ariana Grande: "There was just something about Whitney and Mariah and Aretha... those gorgeous R and B, soulful, powerhouse vocals just being my favorite."

Ariana also reveals her penchant for impersonations, a skill honed from childhood, which she occasionally showcases for fun.

[41:11] Ariana Grande: "I was doing Jennifer Coolidge... I'm being asked this a lot recently."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Ariana Grande expressing gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to Wicked and its enduring legacy. She highlights the importance of building strong, supportive relationships within the cast to create a harmonious and effective working environment.

[46:44] Ariana Grande: "Thank you for having me. Thank you so much."

Ariana's journey from a young theater aficionado to a central figure in a culturally significant film exemplifies her dedication to her craft and her ability to bridge the worlds of pop music and musical theater seamlessly.

Notable Quotes:

• Ariana Grande on Impact of Wicked:

  "From the moment I first saw the musical on Broadway at 10 years old, my life was divided into two chapters, before Wicked and after." ([02:54])

• Ariana on Audition Support:

  "She was very supportive of me throughout the course of my audition process... getting the green light from her to kind of play and improv and put my own spin on her was such a helpful and beautiful gift to receive." ([04:55])

• Ariana on Live Singing:

  "We are singers. We love to sing... it would have felt dishonest to not sing live for this." ([22:39])

• Ariana on Cultural Impact:

  "It's an incredible privilege to be a part of this version of it and to have it be so accessible to so many people... it was always with me." ([44:25])

• Ariana on Friendships in Filming:

  "We knew it was going to be years and years of some of the hardest work of our lives... I want us to be able to give ourselves over to it in the healthiest way possible." ([27:08])

This episode of Fresh Air offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Ariana Grande's multifaceted career and her deep-seated passion for musical theater. Through her candid reflections and detailed accounts of her role in Wicked, Ariana underscores the profound impact that art and collaboration can have on both personal and communal levels.