63. "It's Wicked! It Has to Be Earned!" (with Ariana Grande)

Summary

Sentimental Men Podcast Episode 63: "It's Wicked! It Has to Be Earned!" (with Ariana Grande)
Broadway Podcast Network | Released November 1, 2024

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Introduction

In Episode 63 of Sentimental Men, hosts Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi are thrilled to welcome pop sensation Ariana Grande as their special guest. The episode centers around Ariana's involvement in the highly anticipated Wicked movie adaptation, delving deep into her journey from a Broadway fan to portraying the iconic character Glinda.

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Ariana's First Encounter with Wicked

[05:18] Ariana Grande
Ariana reminisces about her first experience with Wicked on Broadway at the tender age of ten. She recounts the magical moment of seeing the original Broadway cast and how it profoundly impacted her love for musical theater.

"Wicked the musical entered my life when I was 10. I got to see the original Broadway cast. I was very, very, very fortunate to see them... It moved us so much."
She fondly remembers bidding on a backstage tour during the Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS auctions and meeting cast members like Adina and Kristin Chenoweth, who gifted her memorable keepsakes. This early exposure cemented her connection to the world of musical theater, making the Wicked soundtrack a source of comfort and inspiration throughout her life.

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Transition to Pop Career and Musical Theater

[08:03] Ariana Grande
Balancing her burgeoning pop career with her passion for musical theater, Ariana shares her internal dialogue about pursuing both avenues. She expresses nostalgia for her theater roots while acknowledging the unforeseen trajectory her music career took.

"I had always hoped to do a little bit of both... But I never figured it would become my whole life the way it did for a decade."
Despite facing skepticism and light bullying for her musical aspirations, Ariana remained steadfast, ultimately finding herself fully immersed in her pop career. However, her love for theater never waned, leading her to seek opportunities to return to the stage.

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Auditioning for Wicked

[16:00] Ariana Grande
The conversation shifts to Ariana's audacious decision to audition for the Wicked movie, well before its official casting announcements. Anticipating the opportunity, she proactively engaged in intensive voice and acting training.

"If this is happening now, we have to figure it out. I'm going home. I'm getting in voice lessons. I'm getting in acting lessons, and I'm going to turn this around."
Her first audition on [21:53] was for both Glinda and Elphaba, showcasing her versatility. Despite her pop fame, Ariana emphasized the importance of earning her role through dedication and authentic performance, rather than relying on her established persona.

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Working with Cynthia Erivo

[43:08] Ariana Grande
Ariana discusses her collaborative relationship with co-star Cynthia Erivo, highlighting the immediate bond and mutual respect they developed during the long filming process.

"We immediately formed that because without that, nothing else works. Nothing else matters and works."
Their friendship became a cornerstone of the filming experience, providing emotional support and fostering a genuine on-screen chemistry. Ariana appreciates Cynthia's talent and the supportive environment they cultivated together, making the grueling schedule more manageable.

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Filming the Movie

[48:09] Ariana Grande
Delving into the production aspects, Ariana praises the practical effects and meticulous set designs that brought Wicked to life on screen.

"Everything else was there. Everything else we. It was the most insane thing, these sets. Nathan Crowley is the most incredible set designer... the munchkin huts were actually functioning."
She highlights the immersive nature of the sets, comparing them to walking into a theme park and describing the seamless blend of practical effects with subtle CGI enhancements, particularly for the animals.

[58:16]
Ariana emphasizes the film's depth, noting how significant moments hit harder onscreen than in the stage version.

"Dr. Dilliman is the most emotional, moving, insane thing I've ever seen."
She elaborates on the collaborative efforts behind scenes, particularly praising the physical performances that added layers of authenticity to the characters and their interactions.

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Challenges and Growth

[36:32] Ariana Grande
Discussing the logistical and emotional challenges of balancing her pop career with her commitment to Wicked, Ariana reveals the sacrifices she made to dedicate herself fully to the role.

"I have an incredible team that really took care of the other departments, but I'm a very hands-on person... I had like a separate phone for the first few months."
Her dedication is evident as she minimized her involvement in other projects to focus entirely on portraying Glinda, highlighting the personal growth and resilience required to undertake such a significant role.

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Closing Thoughts

[61:40] Ariana Grande
Reflecting on her journey, Ariana expresses immense gratitude for the opportunity to bring Glinda to life and the support she received throughout the project.

"It's when something once in a lifetime like this happens... it deserves all of us and the best of us."
She anticipates the movie's release with excitement, eager for audiences to experience the culmination of her hard work and the collaborative spirit that defined the filming process.

Final Rapid-Fire Segment

In a light-hearted rapid-fire round, Ariana engages with Quincy and Kevin, showcasing her playful side and camaraderie with the cast. From who was most likely to set first on set to who would cry during filming, Ariana's responses underline the close-knit and emotionally invested environment of the movie's production.

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Notable Quotes:

• Ariana Grande [05:18]:

  "Wicked the musical entered my life when I was 10. I got to see the original Broadway cast. I was very, very, very fortunate to see them... It moved us so much."

• Ariana Grande [08:03]:

  "I had always hoped to do a little bit of both... But I never figured it would become my whole life the way it did for a decade."

• Ariana Grande [16:00]:

  "If this is happening now, we have to figure it out. I'm going home. I'm getting in voice lessons. I'm getting in acting lessons, and I'm going to turn this around."

• Ariana Grande [43:08]:

  "We immediately formed that because without that, nothing else works. Nothing else matters and works."

• Ariana Grande [48:09]:

  "Everything else was there. Everything else we. It was the most insane thing, these sets. Nathan Crowley is the most incredible set designer... the munchkin huts were actually functioning."

• Ariana Grande [36:32]:

  "I have an incredible team that really took care of the other departments, but I'm a very hands-on person... I had like a separate phone for the first few months."

• Ariana Grande [61:40]:

  "It's when something once in a lifetime like this happens... it deserves all of us and the best of us."

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Conclusion

Episode 63 of Sentimental Men offers an intimate glimpse into Ariana Grande's heartfelt journey into musical theater, illustrating her deep-seated love for Wicked and the transformative experience of portraying Glinda. Through candid conversations and memorable anecdotes, Ariana shares the dedication, challenges, and joyous moments that defined her role in bringing this beloved story to the big screen. For fans of Ariana Grande and musical theater enthusiasts alike, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and inspirations.

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For more insightful conversations about your favorite women in musical theater, tune into Sentimental Men on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter @sentmenpod or email us directly at sentmenpodmail.com.

Transcript

[Ariana Grande]

Hi, y'all. This is Kristin Chenoweth. Hi, I'm Gloria Stefan. This is Sara Bareilles. Hi, I'm Patti LuPone. This is Lin Manuel Miranda.

[Quincy]

You're listening to the Broadway Podcast Network.

[Kevin]

Guys, we're not even gonna waste your time.

[Quincy]

I can't even believe we're saying these words, Quincy, but welcome to the Ariana Grande episode of Sentimental Men.

[Ariana Grande]

Welcome to the Ariana Grande episode.

[Quincy]

I mean, this is insane.

[Kevin]

It's insane.

[Quincy]

It's absolutely insane. And the conversation was, I think, everything and more that we could have hoped.

[Kevin]

It would be a top tier interview for sure.

[Quincy]

Like OG Sent men picking apart the characters.

[Kevin]

I'm just really thrilled that we got the chance to really sit down and talk with Ms. Ariana Grande.

[Quincy]

Me too.

[Kevin]

About Wicked, the Wicked movie. I feel like it was a really good conversation.

[Quincy]

Yes.

[Kevin]

And we also got to talk to Ms. Cynthia Erivo.

[Quincy]

Quincy, we are the luckiest Sentimental men in the world.

[Kevin]

Truly.

[Quincy]

I feel so happy.

[Kevin]

I still haven't processed all of this, but it's just so exciting.

[Quincy]

I know I got a journal about it or something.

[Kevin]

Also, we're at a point where, like, the Wicked hype is really hyping and the time is almost upon us and just really couldn't be happier with this conversation. Our conversation with Cynthia that you'll get to hear on November 15th with this podcast. We do.

[Quincy]

Yes. And in between this episode and next.

[Kevin]

Episode, we're going to the Wicked premiere in la.

[Quincy]

We're going to the Wicked premiere in Los Angeles. So, like, it's just a very cool time to be us.

[Kevin]

Honestly, it's a very cool time to be a Wicked fan. It feels like the world is very much catered towards our interests at the current moment and I am very grateful for that.

[Quincy]

Yes.

[Kevin]

So some disclaimer. Our conversation with Ariana did get into specific movie details at moments. And since this is coming out pre movie, if you're listening to audio only, this interview is also gonna be available to watch on YouTube. But if you're listening to audio only, you're going to hear some scrubbing, fast forwarding moments. That means we're talking about spoilers. And we'll be releasing extended director's cuts of each of these episodes after the movie has come out. That includes conversation about the spoiler. We just don't wanna ruin any of the magic.

[Quincy]

Yeah, yeah. We don't want you to have to be stressed about having to anticipate these things.

[Kevin]

Right.

[Quincy]

So sit back, enjoy the conversation knowing that nothing will be spoiled for you.

[Kevin]

Yeah. When we put out our movie reaction, I got some feedback from people saying they didn't want to listen because they didn't want spoilers. And I was like, oh, no, we didn't really. We didn't do the spoiler thing.

[Quincy]

And I know Sacon does not want spoilers and I hope Sacon's listening, so.

[Kevin]

Oh, we gotta watch the movie with Saekon. So yeah, this will be a spoiler free listening experience. And then after the movie, we will release the extended cuts of both where hopefully you'll have seen the movie by then. If you're listening to this, I'm sure you will have and we can all relish in the nitty gritty details.

[Quincy]

Couldn't be happier.

[Kevin]

Okay, okay, okay. Let's get into the episode. They don't listen to us anymore.

[Ariana Grande]

Okay, bye.

[Kevin]

I'm Quincy.

[Quincy]

And I'm Kevin.

[Kevin]

And this is Sentimental Men.

[Quincy]

We're here to talk and maybe scream about our favorite women in musical theater.

[Ariana Grande]

Okay, I have to tell you, I was just looking on ebay where I go for all kinds of things I love. And there it was, that hologram trading card. One of the rarest. The last one I needed for my set.

[Kevin]

Shiny like the designer handbag of my dream.

[Ariana Grande]

One of a kind.

[Kevin]

Ebay had it.

[Ariana Grande]

And now everyone's asking, ooh, where'd you get your windshield wipers? Ebay has all the parts that fit my car. No more annoying, just beautiful. Whatever you love, find it on eBay. EBay. Things people love. You can get the most important meal of the day any time of day. I'm talking about the five dollar Big deal breakfast meal from Jack in the Box, available all day and all night. A breakfast Jack with a freshly cracked egg, a hash brown and French toast sticks for five bucks. Sounds good. For breakfast, lunch and dinner at Jack. Every bite's a big deal. Order Jack's $5 big deal breakfast meal now.

[Kevin]

Ariana Grande. Thank you so much for joining us on Sentimental Men.

[Ariana Grande]

Thank you for having me. I'm so glad that we can do this. And you know, we didn't coordinate or anything.

[Quincy]

I know it just.

[Ariana Grande]

We just happen to.

[Kevin]

Okay, but I'm jealous of the pink shiz sweatshirt.

[Quincy]

Especially me jealous.

[Ariana Grande]

Thank you so much. I'll see what I can do. I thought they made like. I thought they were doing pink ones and green ones and people were just getting like, look at the draw. Pink or green. But then no one else had them in there.

[Kevin]

Those are limited edition.

[Ariana Grande]

I thought that was the plan and then I was wrong. What Years. I agree.

[Kevin]

I can't believe you're here right now. Cannot thank you enough for joining.

[Ariana Grande]

Thank you for having me. I'm honored. I'm such a fan and I love your show.

[Quincy]

Thank you.

[Kevin]

So we start every interview with, how did Wicked the musical enter your life as a normal person? What is your first touch point with the show?

[Ariana Grande]

Wicked the musical entered my life when I was 10. I got to see the original Broadway cast. I was very, very, very fortunate to see them. And it was during the Broadway cares Equity fights AIDS when they do the auctions after the show. And I kept bidding and my mom was like, that's enough. Oh, my God. But they were auctioning off a backstage tour, and we.

[Kevin]

And had you known about Wicked prior or was it just a random thing that your mom bought tickets to?

[Ariana Grande]

No, it was just the show that everyone was talking about. And we love the wizard of Oz and I love Judy Garland, and I've always been a huge wizard of Oz person. So, you know, the untold story of the witches of Oz. We were like, count us in. And I don't think we had any idea what we were in for. I knew we were all just kind of life before and after Wicked, you know?

[Kevin]

Right.

[Ariana Grande]

Right. There are so few things that I feel that way about, but it's like, you know, when art can shake you like that, I just want to. Oh, my God. I'm so sorry. Sorry. That. That might happen a lot. Just. That might happen a lot, a lot. So let's just get. I'm so sorry. I think they're okay. That's the whole story. I mean, really, it just moved us so much. And I remember getting the soundtrack and learning all the words within the first week of having it. I mean, I loved it so much. I got to. Oh, yeah, Again, we did the auction and we got to go backstage and meet everyone. And I remember Adina gave me a little green bracelet and just being so excited to meet everyone. And Kristen was just over the top, kind and generous. She gave me a little wand, which feels so full circle and insane and a body wash that glitter in it. And she said it was magical. And now I really believe that it was wow. And it was just a really beautiful experience. And I have loved it and turned to it for comfort ever since. Like, the soundtrack has always been such a safe space for me, and I've always listened to it if I was, like, nervous about something or to warm up. You know, it's funny because I started in musical theater and pop music sort of. I Think my dogs are gonna howl and sing along note. Because they're sirens and they might react to that. So just.

[Kevin]

I thought there were our sirens.

[Ariana Grande]

No, no, no, they're mine. I'm sorry that I came with so many.

[Quincy]

No, it's. We were allowed to. We're allowed to.

[Ariana Grande]

What was I saying? Oh, yes. But yeah, I don't know. Musical theater and Wicked in particular were always kind of my most grounding and comforting things that I would turn to.

[Kevin]

What was your first musical love growing up a musical theater girly? What kind of like gave you the bug?

[Ariana Grande]

I don't even. I mean, I don't know. I mean, maybe wizard of Oz.

[Quincy]

Yeah.

[Ariana Grande]

Myron, I'm so sorry. I think I should. Should I let him out really quickly and then come right back? I'm really sorry. I'm so sorry. This is a full time. This is my full time life. This is my full time job. I'm so sorry. I work for Myron. Okay, good boy. Yeah, absolutely. Hold on. I'm so sorry. Okay. To lose you too. Absolutely nothing's there. I'm coming back. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. Hi.

[Quincy]

It's okay. I'm so sorry.

[Ariana Grande]

Hi.

[Quincy]

So if you're saying Broadway's kind of like your first love, your first, or musicals are kind of your first touch point, and then as pop music kind of entered your life, what was that conversation like internally between like, well, here's this pop music career that is happening. How does that interact with my Broadway dreams?

[Kevin]

Because like, when you're in 13, are you now thinking, okay, I'm going to grow up and be a Broadway diva, this is my path, or was there other options on the table?

[Ariana Grande]

Well, I had always hoped to do a little bit of both. And because I loved writing and I loved singing as well, and I loved pop music too. But I never figured it would be come my whole life the way that it did for a decade. Really. It was kind of the only. The only thing and that I didn't see coming. I just kind of like. I loved theater. I loved being on Broadway. I loved going to shows. And my favorite thing in the world about musical theater was that it also integrated comedy. There's so much comedy. And that's always been something that has made my heart so happy is comedy. It's one of my favorite things in the world. So I don't know. I think I pictured it being more. I think I pictured myself being more of a theater person. And like, I would make music too, and hopefully I would Have a little fan base that would be into my albums and do a little bit like. And I remember like people at the time like would make fun of me for it and they were like, oh, like what are you going to do music and like have fans and whatever. And I was like, I don't know, maybe, I don't. Maybe, I don't know. But it was, it was funny because yeah, I've never really talked about it but when I was younger some people actually like lightly bullied me about it and were like, oh, you're always singing like whatever. It was just, it was a strange, interesting thing. But yeah, it's really funny. I don't think I expected for pop to become the only thing for such a long time, but I'm very grateful for everything, of course. But it's funny.

[Kevin]

But I do imagine when your pop career is careering, it becomes then difficult to find your way to the stage. Do you feel like you kind of have to segment it out when you're in the bag of either lane?

[Ariana Grande]

Well, yeah, just because it's so strange. Like to me I've been doing what I've been doing since I'm 8 years old and I know what I love to do and can do and you know, being a part of shows and auditioning and you know, that's such a happy, fun thing in my, in my youth, in my life. But it's funny because people need to. And this is something that I loved about auditioning so much for Wicked was that like it has to be earned. Anything as, you know, on this scale, being a part of anything I think isn't. It's not just like given because they know you for one thing. So it's fun to kind of have the challenge of reframing people's perception and kind of like doing the work to earn your way back into the other spaces. Because it's not just a no brainer. Because I know what happened one time a long time ago, you know, I don't know. Was that the question? No, not at all. It was so long ago.

[Quincy]

Well, I think that's interesting though is like what you're saying about feeling like you want to earn your way back into these other spaces. Because I think it would probably be easy for you in the position that you're in to just be like, I would like to be in a Broadway show who will have me, you know. But it's like the fact that you want to earn that and you want to be.

[Kevin]

It needs to be valid. You don't Want to just walk in because you are Ariana Grande.

[Ariana Grande]

Well, I feel, I mean that's, that's so ridiculous. But no, I feel, I really do feel like it's the opposite. I feel like it's the opposite in a lot of ways. And I think, well, that's how I see it anyway. And it's funny because people sometimes say that to me. They're like, you had audition. I'm like, yeah, of course. What are you out of your gourd? It's. It's wicked. And it requires a totally different skill set than people know me for and have ever seen me do anything like. And of course it's wicked. That's the most respectful thing you have to do. It has to be earned, period. And I think that's kind of. I think it was the opposite. I think it was. It can work against me, you know, in certain, in certain ways. Because, you know, when, when you have this caricaturized Persona that's out there and people know you very well as this one thing, it's like, how, you know, is this person going to be able to erase that and disappear into a character that we need them to offer themselves to this greater story, you know? And it's not that it's not about them, this isn't about me. So that's what I love, and I missed so much about acting though, is because with music I feel like I have so much of my own stuff intertwined, like my own pain, my own stories, my own. It's very self aggrandizing and very self whatever. And I feel like with acting you get to use those pieces of yourself while honoring something way bigger than you and find new homes for these traumas and these things and these pieces of yourself that you know. But also it's not about you. It's about giving to a character that you get to love and to know. And it's a nice. That's a really beautiful. I can't even explain it. Extraordinary experience. It's like the best thing. It's such a. It's such a gift and a cool thing. I'm so grateful I got to do this.

[Kevin]

Okay, I want to hear all about the movie audition, but before we get into it, can you just paint a picture? You see Wicked on Broadway that first time. What did Ariana Grande as a Wicked fan look like? What bootlegs were you watching? Who were the ladies you were into?

[Ariana Grande]

Oh my gosh, when I was, I mean, like at that age I was. I had like my curly brown hair and A little headband in. I went with my family, and I just was. I adored them. I, like, studied the cast. I just. I completely adored them. I went home and I googled them all, and I was such a fan. I remember I had a little ipod, and I deleted everything else on the ipod except forget. I was like, I don't need to hear anything else ever again. Yes, that was me.

[Quincy]

Ipods held, like, six songs at that point.

[Ariana Grande]

Yeah. Even if they held more, it was not what I wanted.

[Kevin]

And I imagine you saw it multiple times after seeing it that first time.

[Ariana Grande]

I did. I was very lucky. My mom definitely spoiled me and I got to go see it a few times. So that was really cool. But I went early. Like, I went when it was the original Broadway cast, and then I didn't see it again for many years. So that was my. It's so. I'm like, so lucky. It's such a crazy experience.

[Kevin]

Okay, so now take us inside the movie audition. When was the first time the prospect of auditioning came across your desk?

[Ariana Grande]

Okay, so the prospect of auditioning came across my desk, actually way before they had even attached John, which is crazy. And it was just a murmuring of a something and.

[Kevin]

Pre pandemic.

[Ariana Grande]

Yeah, pre pandemic. Okay. And I remember I was on the Sweetener tour, and I said to my team, I said, if this is happening now, we have to figure it out. We got to pull the plug on this tour. I'm going home. I'm getting in voice lessons. I'm getting in acting lessons, and I'm going to turn this shit out. I need to know. You need to hear from me right now if this is happening now, I'm going home and I'm training. I'm getting ready. This is all I want. And I'm going, it's done. It doesn't matter. We'll figure it out. My team was like, well, that's insane. No. And I was like, well, yeah. And they were like, okay. So it was.

[Kevin]

And at that point, was it for Glinda or Elphaba?

[Ariana Grande]

I had an inkling in my heart always that it was going to be Glinda.

[Kevin]

Gotcha.

[Ariana Grande]

But I was hearing really mixed things from people who were like, oh, they want you to maybe read for both or whatever. And I was like, well, I guess that's because they don't know what my voice is maybe can do. And maybe they, like, think vocally I might be better suited for Elphaba. But that's fun. And that's, like, what I think I Think I secretly knew that I could was only meant for Glinda, but. And that's, you know, for a few, like, different reasons we can talk about later. But I just kind of knew that that was what it was. But either way, I was going to be open to the conversation and I basically was just like, hello, let's talk whatever it is. Looking for a pickup truck to get just about anything done. Look no further. The Chevy Silverado EV isn't just the most powerful Silverado ever with next level towing capability and technology. It also offers game changing versatility with the available multiflex midgate and tailgate. Which means Silverado EV helps you carry large, bulky and oddly shaped items up to nearly 11ft in length. Chevrolet together. Let's drive. Visit Chevrolet.com to learn more. If you love Broadway gossip, you are not gonna wanna miss any episode of this podcast, Singular Sensation. The triumph of Broadway.

[Quincy]

Plenty of dramas unfold on stage, but.

[Ariana Grande]

The best dramas unfold backstage. And there were no bigger dramas than behind the scenes of Sunset Boulevard. So you were being crucified over here, but not there? No, no, because I was turning in a performance that would get standing of Asians. Excuse me. So check out my podcast, Singular Sensation for all the juicy details of Sunset Balloon. And I. I even like floated the idea of Fuck Linda a few times and nothing. There was nothing. It was just like, okay, we think this is coming up. And I was like, when? And then they said in the next couple of years. So that was when I kind of became very alert and very aware and I. That was like kind of around the time that I. No, in the middle of the pandemic, I kind of started working with Nancy Banks, my acting coach. But it was just on random stuff, just on like monologues and plays and whatever. Just because we wanted to start using that muscle.

[Quincy]

Keep the instrument.

[Ariana Grande]

Yeah, using the muscle and like playing around. And then I finally got wind of, okay, it's happening for real in 2021. No, that's not true. Oh, no, I don't remember. Wait, my audition. No, because my first audition was August 13th, 2021. Yeah. Okay, 2021.

[Kevin]

Your first real audition?

[Ariana Grande]

Yes, my first real audition was August 13, 2021.

[Kevin]

Okay.

[Ariana Grande]

And I. Yeah, but before that, when I. When I heard that they were gonna start seeing people, I went just straight into vocal and acting lessons every day. This is when I was filming the Voice and I would basically start my day with my lessons and then I'd go shoot the show.

[Kevin]

And at that time, what in your head is like, okay, I need to work on this if I'm going to be going in for Wicked.

[Ariana Grande]

I wanted to just basically strengthen and change my kind of vocal muscles and how they are, because I do have a high range, but it's a very different thing, you know, than what's required of Glinda. So I really wanted to train so that I could sound as authentically operatic as possible and really use those muscles, because it's been a long time and of singing one certain way, and your vocal cords are just like any other muscle in the body. They get used to a certain thing, Right? Yeah. So I had to kind of dig in and really, I wanted to do it every day to train them to behave and so that it was natural and that it was healthy and it sounded really full and warm and how it's supposed to for Glinda, because I had been singing one specific way for such a long time. But, yeah, I sort of just began really kind of preparing and even just like, reading through the Broadway script a whole bunch and, oh, my God. Sorry. He might need to come back in, but I'll give it one more second before he tells me what he needs. Yeah. So I began that process and. Oh, my God. Okay, I'll be right back.

[Quincy]

And so you're doing all of this?

[Ariana Grande]

No, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me.

[Quincy]

So you're doing all of this before there's even, like, a date on the books to audition? You're just prepping so that you're ready?

[Ariana Grande]

Yeah, I just wanted my muscles and my tools to know what they're doing and be ready to do anything. Like, I had a feeling they were going to make me sing for both roles, even though they weren't actually considering me for both roles. I had a feeling they were going to have me sing both, and they did. They had me sing for. They had me sing in my first audition. No one mourns Popular wizard and I undefined gravity.

[Kevin]

Wow.

[Ariana Grande]

So that was a really fun first audition, but I came in and I had, like, my pink thermos and I had my pink thing, and it was very obvious what I was campaigning for. Yeah. I was like, I'm sure. Sure. Whatever you want.

[Quincy]

Sure you're sure you want to hear this?

[Ariana Grande]

Whatever you want and more. Whatever you need. I'll bring you coffees, Whatever you think. But, like, no, we know I'm here for one thing specifically. Hold on. I'm going to let Myron back in and I'll be right back.

[Kevin]

Okay.

[Ariana Grande]

Oh, no, never mind. He completely doesn't want to come in.

[Kevin]

Ariana, I do have to say sorry. A majority of the Glindas we have on this show have the same chaotic energy during the interview.

[Ariana Grande]

What is my pet? Oh, my God. There is something. There really is something baked into these roles, though. There really is.

[Quincy]

There's something like genetics that comes to. That comes to play. Yeah.

[Ariana Grande]

I'm honored to hear.

[Kevin]

Okay, so that first audition, tell us more about exactly what you did. Did you read any scenes?

[Ariana Grande]

No. So the first one was just singing and gotcha. I was 45 minutes early for everything. For every single time they saw me, I was 45 minutes early. And I remember, like, I was blasting. I was with my assistant and I was with my, my manager, my day to day manager, Ray, and my assistant Diane. And we were driving around in Burbank just like circling and like blasting one short day. And you can ask him like, why like that. But that was the one that we were like, repeat on one short day. And, and, and John was like outside and he was like, I didn't realize that he was outside, but he told me later on that like he heard and saw me circling every time forever. Like, he was like, she's crazy. And so early. Why is it so early and why.

[Kevin]

Was it one short day?

[Ariana Grande]

Because that was the song. That is the song.

[Quincy]

That's the song.

[Kevin]

Which I will say in the movie.

[Ariana Grande]

So that was a surprise for Cynthia and I too. We were like, oh, my God, it's a lot.

[Kevin]

Oh, yeah, really beautiful.

[Ariana Grande]

But yeah, we're blasting one short day.

[Quincy]

So then after that first audition, what was the call that was like, hey, so like we've, we've made the distinction. She's clearly a Glinda. Then are you coming back in and just focusing on a Glinda after that?

[Ariana Grande]

Well, even going in that day, I have to be super clear. I said, like I said, I will sing whatever they want, but I'm going in for Glinda. Like, I told them. I was like, this is who I am. I do. I will sing both for fun if they want that. Like, I don't care what it is. Of course, like, I got it. I was like, girl, let's go. I better figure it out. No, but, no, but it was clear from the start. But then the callback was singing again and scenes from the first and second film. The second audition had, thank goodness. And it had some scenes in it from the Broadway show, nothing from the, from the movie script. And then my third time was chemistry read. I think I was there for three and a half hours. I. Wow. I read with two different actresses that were amazing, and it was just a long, exhausting, but, like, floaty, out of body, buzzy. So much adrenaline experience. And I had cried so much, my lashes were kind of, like, erect. And John was like, okay, like, we really appreciate your time. Like, thank you. Thank you. Thank you so, so, so much. I think you can, like, you know, go to the car and collect to yourself and have a beautiful rest of your day. Like, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. And I was like, okay, bye, everyone. And I left my lashes on the mirror because I was like, well, bye. That's all, folks. Officially. I officially left everything else I had to give in this room.

[Quincy]

So blood, sweat, and lashes.

[Ariana Grande]

So don't forget about it. I'm leaving my lashes on the thing.

[Kevin]

Don't forget me.

[Ariana Grande]

No, but it was. Yeah, it was. It was really special and beautiful. And I remember even in the, like, the very first audition, I just felt such a really beautiful connection with everyone, especially John.

[Kevin]

And are you gaining more confidence as each audition continues, or are you still living in the state of anxiety?

[Ariana Grande]

I think I felt a lot of anticipatory excitement and positive anxiousness, but I never felt afraid. I felt grateful and excited and inspired and prepared. But John made me feel so comfortable. And the thing that I was really excited by and grateful for and that surprised me in a big way, was he loved the little risky choices that I was making that were not to the Bible, that were like, not what? Like, I kind of, like, grew up listening to. Yeah. And he loved it. And he was like, I love that. That's fun. That's really cool. Let's, like, keep playing. I love when you play.

[Quincy]

Right?

[Ariana Grande]

So that was really exciting to me because I was like, oh, this is in the hands of someone who is just here to, like, catch butterflies. He's inspired and he knows. He knows every single inch of it. He loves every single inch of it. But that is what's so beautiful, is that he is inspiring play and truth and listening and reacting, which is basically the whole point of everything. But he's not here to. To bring the stage show to the screen. He's here to kind of maximize how we're telling this story and get to know these women in a new way.

[Quincy]

Right. He's not looking for impressions of.

[Ariana Grande]

No, it was really. It felt really beautiful that immediately he was like, keep playing. This is so fun. And I was like, oh, my goodness. I feel safe and positive and just this, like, thoughtful, amazing human being is in charge. And I love knowing that as a fan, even if I don't get this part, I love his attitude towards this. It's right and it's. And it shows how much he loves and cares about it. So that was. I felt a really immediate connection with him. And yeah, I remember Tiffany Little from Telsey casting was my Elphaba during popular and she had her mask, she had a mask on because it was like there was a random COVID wave in LA and they had to postpone the Fiero auditions because all of the Fiero's had Covid and so she was wearing a mask. And I'm, it was just the sweetest thing because I could. Her eyes were smiling and I loved knowing that she was giggling and it was really sweet. I'll never forget that.

[Kevin]

Well, so that's interesting. Growing up as a fan of the show, how do you reconcile now having to audition for the part? How much of okay, I'm going to emulate what I know to be this character or I'm going to bring my own unique take to it.

[Ariana Grande]

Well, I think that's the thing is that being a fan of something and then living it and kind of taking it on in this insanely personal, intimate way are two completely different things. And I wanted to make that differentiation immediately. I was like, okay, I'm not going to watch or listen to anything right now. I want to basically just get to know this girl and read the script a million times with Nancy and ask all these questions and kind of find my Glinda while also finding certain physicalities and familiarities to honor what we all have known and loved for so many years. Because there is a specific Galinda type thing, you know, that is written. This role was written so beautifully and iconically and brilliantly by Kristen and Winnie. You know, that was a very collaborative thing. A lot of the most iconic lines in the stage show were ad libs by Kristen. So it's it for me was about finding that balance because it has to be truthful. It can't be an impersonation because that's very easy to do.

[Quincy]

Right.

[Ariana Grande]

And you know, lines that have I've heard and I've known for 20 years take on a very new meaning when you break them down and look at.

[Quincy]

Them differently, you know, especially given your like personal closeness to the source material. Just like as a person with a friendship with another person. Is there guidance that came from Kristen? Was she very, was she more like she let you do your own thing.

[Kevin]

When did you tell her you were going in for it.

[Quincy]

Yeah.

[Ariana Grande]

Oh, my God. Okay. So we had talked about it for years and years and years and. But not. But me finally confessing to her that I wanted to go in for Glinda was like, a whole different thing. And I finally confessed to her because I sing wizard and I on the anniversary special. So I think she assumed, you know, like, okay, yeah, let's do that. Let's totally do that. But I finally. I confess her. I said, hey, like, I think they're doing this now. And I think that I want to go Glinda. And she went into the bathroom and, like, closed the door and started crying. And she was just like this. It was the sweetest thing in the world. Oh, my God. It makes me emotional, but it was so cute. And she was just like. She was just like, oh, my God. Like, I was hoping this would happen. Like, I love you and I. And I trust you with it, baby girl. She was like, just do your thing. She was like, just do your thing. She was like, you are so funny, and you have great instincts, and no one knows that you're going to backdoor them. She said. And I was like, okay. So she was. Yeah, she had a very positive. A positive reaction, thankfully, and she was very supportive, but I didn't send her things. I didn't. I didn't go over the material with her. I kind of just wanted to keep to myself. I kept to myself so much from my family, from Kristen, from everyone, from my. I, like, I didn't want to talk about it. I just didn't want to talk about it at all. And she would check in on me and tell me things she was hearing, and it was very sweet and very supportive, but I think she still hasn't heard or seen Mike Linda yet. So I'm excited. We're going to. She's going to see it on. She's going to see it on the 28th. So I'm excited. I think. I hope she feels how much this film is a love letter to her and Didina. While also. We wanted to also do our own Elphaba and Glinda for this as well. And I hope that. I think it'll make. I think it might make her really happy.

[Quincy]

Yeah, I think so.

[Ariana Grande]

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[Quincy]

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[Ariana Grande]

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[Kevin]

What's interesting about Glinda in the movie is she has all of the, like, stage Glinda isms the classic lines that you would want from Glinda, but then they also wrote a lot of new ones for you that you put your own spin on that I think are going to be canon.

[Ariana Grande]

Thank you. I, I'm, I'm so grateful to hear you say that because I ad libbed a lot of them and I'm surprised that they made them into the movie. I was really shocked that they made them in, but that's what I'm saying about John. He was just like, play, play, play. And he trusted us so implicitly. So I played and then I was like, oh, my God, they made. Wait. I don't remember. I don't remember saying that. It's in the film. That's crazy. I can't believe any of my nonsense. I don't remember. Maybe. Probably the ones that I know for sure were. I couldn't possibly. This is your moment. I'm coming.

[Kevin]

Oh, my God.

[Ariana Grande]

And that was just like.

[Quincy]

He was like, they're selling the movie with that.

[Ariana Grande]

I was so excited. I was like, wait, it made it into a trailer? That's crazy. I don't know. There was a bunch of surprising, lovely moments like that that I couldn't believe even made it in.

[Kevin]

But yeah, from first audition to that Zoom call that we've all seen, how long was that period?

[Ariana Grande]

I can't tell if he just is upset with an animal or if he wants to come in. From the first audition to getting the call was three months.

[Quincy]

It's pretty condensed, all things considered, but.

[Ariana Grande]

It felt like 14 years. Yeah, 14 years.

[Kevin]

When you got the call, you said, I'm going to take such good care of her. What does that mean to you?

[Ariana Grande]

I think what that meant to me was that this was gonna have a hold of me you know, there wasn't gonna be any other thing in my brain or in my work load, like, I wasn't gonna be writing music. I wasn't gonna be on as many of my calls that I'm usually on for my beauty and my fragrance and my other things that I think require more of me than people would assume. Yeah, I really tried to give my full self to her and just honor her and do the work as best as I could, you know.

[Quincy]

Right. As somebody who does have lots going on constantly and lots of different plates spinning at once, was it. What was it like kind of letting other people keep the other plates spinning?

[Ariana Grande]

Horrible.

[Quincy]

While you focused on one thing.

[Ariana Grande]

No, I'm kidding, I'm kidding, I'm kidding, I'm kidding. No, I have an incredible team that really, really took care of the other departments, you know, during that time. But, you know, I'm a very hands on person with everything that I do. I'm very hands on. So that was very hard for me, but it was a lot easier because I was playing glitter. You know, that's like the idea of that. The idea of that is not an option to me. Like, there's no other thing. There's no other time that I would really ever do that, but step that.

[Quincy]

Far back from things.

[Ariana Grande]

Yeah, I had like a separate phone for the first few months. Like, I had a pink phone. Like, you know, it was like I was gone. I was gone. I just wanted to fully be there and be as present as humanly possible and, you know, know everything I needed to know. Read every book, read everything, do all the things and give myself over entirely. I didn't write music. I didn't. I did one feature at the very beginning and then that was kind of it.

[Kevin]

I mean, I think in watching from an outside perspective, you have done such a beautiful job at balancing Ariana Grande TM duties and Ariana Grande Glinda duties. And I think that's, like, only goes to show how much you care about this project in particular. It rings true and is very clear that you are devoting a large amount of your time and energy to making sure that this project is done correctly.

[Ariana Grande]

Thank you. That means a lot, especially coming from you too. But yeah, it's. It's when something once in a lifetime like this happens, like, every single second counts, you know? Yeah. And it's like, yeah, it deserves all of us and the best of us.

[Kevin]

What were you most scared about? You get the offer. You're so happy and excited.

[Ariana Grande]

Now I have to do it. Oh, my God, wait, I hope it goes well.

[Kevin]

Then. What is the anxiety after you're over the excitement? What is keeping you up at night? Like, oh my God.

[Ariana Grande]

I think, you know, I, 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 or why I would be wrong or whatever. You know, I think, of course, like any human being caring something about something they care so much about, like that, you know, this. It's been a great secret, you know, they didn't get to see any auditions or know anything. So, yeah, you know, going off of side to side, I probably would have said the same thing. I probably would have said, why the fuck kill me? I've waited 20 years for this. Kill. Kill me. I've waited. Yeah, you know, like, I was, I would have said that as a, as a fan from the outside, knowing of only, of only seven rings, probably I'd say, well, that's bullshit. So, you know, I, I get it. But I think that initially, in the beginning, I was like, okay, I'm going to try to turn that off and just do the work, keep my blinders on and, and, and focus and train and do, do the best I can. But I think that was an initial, like a little bit of a gulp moment. Yeah. But I tried not to let it derail me.

[Quincy]

I was going to say, like, do you feel a satisfaction in like surprising people this way?

[Ariana Grande]

I think I just feel like a tremendous gratitude, you know, I think, like, to see the Wicked fans like, embrace at all, you know, it's just like really, it's really special. It's really. Yeah, that's the feeling I can. It's just gratitude, really.

[Quincy]

Was there something that you, like, couldn't wait for? Like something that you were like, I can't wait to do this with my Galinda.

[Ariana Grande]

I mean, I love improv and I love playing. So there were a lot of. There was so much space to try and play and hopefully make Cynthia break and laugh or Michelle or, you know, I love that. I love making people laugh. And I was just so excited because it's my favorite thing. Genuinely. I think making people laugh is my. If I had to put everything on a whatever, it would be my favorite. So I think that was the thing I was most excited for because Glinda, there's so much room for play and you can deliver the same line, you know, really heartfully. Some of these lines are designed to do both. And that's what I think the beauty of Glinda is, is because some of the things she's saying are really hilarious to someone else, but she means them in like the most beautiful way. And that's my, that's my favorite thing about her. It's like, you don't have to play the joke because what she's actually feeling is funny to begin with. And the fact that her heart, you know, you know, it's just, it kind of, that is the joke. So there's so many different ways. So I think playing and John just. Encouraging, encouraging. It was something I was really excited for. Yeah.

[Kevin]

And we were saying after seeing the movie, your Glinda is so matter of fact, like all the funny almost goes over your head, which then makes it more funny for the audience.

[Ariana Grande]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Kevin]

So tell us about the first time you and Cynthia were in a room together after having gotten the roles.

[Ariana Grande]

Well, we FaceTimed for the first time like 15 minutes before the announcement went out. I'm not kidding. We had no idea. No, not 15 minutes. It was like four hours.

[Kevin]

Okay.

[Ariana Grande]

And we had sent each other flowers and we had like. But we hadn't been able to connect yet because we were both busy doing stuff and we were like, oh my God, this is happening now. It's happening now. So we met over FaceTime. And I immediately loved her, obviously, of course. And then that was the first time.

[Quincy]

She did not chemistry read with her.

[Ariana Grande]

No, we both, we both read with. Oh my God, holy shit, where. And then we met for the first time in person at John's house. He had a welcome dinner and was.

[Kevin]

It nerve wracking that you had in chemistry read with her? And we're now going into this.

[Ariana Grande]

No, I don't know why. I think I just, I know of her greatness, of course, and I know that she's the best, you know, most formidable actress and singer that there is. So that part was easy, you know. And I felt a kindness from her the first time we connected and I knew we'd be okay. And also we had a really real conversation at the very beginning just kind of about what we're not going to do and how we're not going to be and what we're not going to allow.

[Kevin]

And you guys are signed up for this two plus year journey now.

[Ariana Grande]

Oh, it's already been, it's already been three, hasn't it? Right.

[Kevin]

And now you have two more years.

[Ariana Grande]

Right? Exactly.

[Quincy]

Right, right.

[Ariana Grande]

And I think like, even aside from like the time commitment, it just, it's just deserving of the best of Us. And that requires real honesty and real trust. This whole movie is not gonna work. You can spend as much money as you want on flying monkeys in the air and, you know, talking brilliant goats, which. We'll get to that. We'll get to that later. We need a full hour, second episode. But, you know, it really has to. It really falls on Elphaba and Glinda to. Yeah. To take care of each other. And I think that that is. I think that's really palpable when you see it, and I hope so. You know, I think it. Us taking care of each other and forming a real true friendship and being honest with each other about everything, always at all times. You know, being there for each other when we're in a silly mood, when someone needs like, you know, like all of it. Leaving space for everything and getting to know each other in that way where, like, I can just look at her and I know, and I know what she's thinking and she can just look at me and she knows exactly what you know. And helping each other too. It's like we immediately formed that because without that, nothing else works. Nothing else matters and works. I've never done this, but it's really nice. It's satisfying. I'm like, doing this.

[Quincy]

I've been loving it.

[Ariana Grande]

Is it because I'm talking about Cynthia and them doing nails? Because I'm talking about sin? No, but that was an immediate commitment. You know, we had that conversation. We were like, hey, let's do this for real.

[Quincy]

Well, and it's like such a. I mean, relatively like such a simple decision to make. Like, hey, you and me are signed up for this like five year long thing together. Like, we need to choose now to make this a good experience.

[Ariana Grande]

Yeah. But it's, it's also, it's also really.

[Quincy]

Hard work, though, because to commit, to hold yourself to that. Right.

[Ariana Grande]

Yeah. Because we need to be there for each other. And there's not a battle that she has to fight alone or that I have to fight alone. You know, there are, there are many, you know, little challenges along the way and being there for each other and having each other through it all, the highs and lows and mids and ups and downs and everything in between was truly. Was truly a magnificent gift. There's nothing we can't talk about and didn't.

[Quincy]

Right. It's nice too, because, you know, we hear a lot of the women who do the show on Broadway talk about like the Green Girl sisterhood, that it's like whenever a new Elphaba Gets cast. It's always like messages or whatever from all the previous. But like you two are the only two in the world who know what it's like to play these characters on film for 12 hour days, for months on end.

[Kevin]

And you were doing it in such a vacuum.

[Quincy]

Right. So you. It's like the, the importance of that support system is. It makes me very happy that you guys had that in each other.

[Ariana Grande]

Me too. It's. It's really beautiful. It really is.

[Quincy]

And it reads. It's so palpable.

[Ariana Grande]

Thank you.

[Kevin]

So what was something, as you're shooting the movie, what was something that you learned about Glinda that was surprising to you?

[Ariana Grande]

I mean, I think I learned this in the preparation leading up to I'll try to think about something new that I learned during filming because things really took on a whole new life once you actually get there and are filming. But I think the thing that I learned in digging into her in this way, preparing whatever was like, why I love her and feel so connected to her. Because obviously it's like the comedy and the high notes and I love all of those things, but I think also there's a very specific thing about kind of her relationship to the Aussians and kind of that love that they give her and that validation that they give her and her kind of hoping for the good in them and kind of like trying to spoon feed them and no one mourns the wicked. She's trying to spoon feed them this opportunity. She's like, hey, wait, hold on. Can't we just for one second, can't you just consider that this happened to her? And you know, there's this, there's this tightrope that she walks and there's grief and loss and tragedy that she has to stomach while also performing for these people that she feels need her while she's also needing so much. And. And that is like a specific thing. It's a specific thing.

[Quincy]

You know that. Yeah.

[Ariana Grande]

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[Kevin]

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[Kevin]

See Uber app for details. I think Kevin had said when the casting came out, it is really inspired casting because in a lot of ways, you are our culture's modern day Glinda. And so it's, like, really cool to see the metanarratives.

[Ariana Grande]

Oh, my God. You are a believer. That's so nice.

[Kevin]

Oh, yeah.

[Ariana Grande]

I'm kidding.

[Quincy]

Curly Pop. Never a doubt in my mind.

[Ariana Grande]

I'm kidding, I'm kidding. No, but I think. I think what became, like, so clear to me when I was actually digging into the material was that. And, you know, just kind of I was like, oh, wow. I feel like this song, like, I feel like thank Goodness, was, like, written for me. Like, I feel like that's like a moment that I have lived in real life. And I think that I was kind of surprised by the things that I thought made me feel so connected to her being, like, third and fourth on the list, you know? Right.

[Kevin]

That's.

[Quincy]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Ariana Grande]

It was a healing thing to get to know her and spend time with her.

[Kevin]

Can we talk about popular, please?

[Ariana Grande]

Yes. Oh, my God.

[Kevin]

It is one insane on screen. How much of that was blocked and choreographed? And how much of that is you on set in the room playing and figuring it out as you go?

[Ariana Grande]

So a lot of all of it was blocked and choreographed.

[Kevin]

Okay.

[Ariana Grande]

Some pieces were blocked and choreographed on day one. Like, my very first day was popular in rehearsals with Chris and Leah and Will and Comfort. But it was funny because I was so grateful because Chris was so collaborative and, like, a lot of the bits didn't have as many, like, jokes. Like, it was highly choreographed and. But we got to make it galindified. And it was very, like, collaborative and fun and silly. Like, I'll never forget when we found the bit where I'm great.

[Kevin]

Well, and that was something beautiful about her character. Go ahead.

[Ariana Grande]

No, I'm just saying, isn't that such a beautiful choice?

[Kevin]

Oh, yes, it is. And like, her whole take on Elphaba is, I'm not angry at the world for not liking me. This is all I've ever known. And so why would I expect anything different? Which I think is a big tonal shift from stage to screen.

[Ariana Grande]

I love it so much.

[Kevin]

Okay. You had told us a while ago that you felt like the fangirl gatekeeper on set in making sure that specific moments kind of kept their integrity. Do you have an example of one of those moments in the film.

[Ariana Grande]

Is my favorite part. Can we talk about Bo and Yang? Yes.

[Quincy]

They're both so good.

[Ariana Grande]

We need three more hours.

[Kevin]

Well, we gotta do another one after the movie comes out and we can like.

[Ariana Grande]

Okay.

[Kevin]

Yeah, yeah.

[Ariana Grande]

I'm putting on. I'm putting on lipstick because I'm smiling so much. I'm like, dry. Hold on.

[Kevin]

What has been the high and low of the journey up until this point?

[Quincy]

Rose and the Thorn.

[Ariana Grande]

Low, I think. I know this is so corny, but the low, I don't know. I can't. I think maybe how quickly everything happened and is happening.

[Kevin]

It feels quick on your end. It does because you've been in it.

[Ariana Grande]

Yeah. And Cynthia and I were in the Wizard's Chamber and she was like. She's like, we're going to blink and it's going to be May babes. And I was like, no. And now it's October 20th. Two years, you know what I mean? Later, a year and a half later. And she was right. It's just. It was very quick. But I mean, the highs. I think I learned so much from this project and I'm just so grateful. It was just a really. I can't describe how special every single day was and what I have learned from Glinda and what I've learned from Cynthia and John and every single person involved in this. And I don't know, it's really immeasurable, the gratitude that I feel. I can't really describe it. That didn't answer either, actually.

[Kevin]

That's good.

[Ariana Grande]

I didn't answer one of them. I didn't answer anything.

[Kevin]

What was the most challenging scene for you to shoot?

[Ariana Grande]

Ooh.

[Kevin]

In act one, I guess.

[Ariana Grande]

Okay. Yeah, I was gonna go into Act 2, but I think. I think. I think the Oz dust, I think defying gravity, saying goodbye and the Oz dust, you know, it's a turning point for Glinda and holding space for Elphaba and for Cynthia that day. You know, I. It's so funny because I get, like, little heart flutters when I watch it because I, like, remember how anxious that scene felt, you know? It's so funny. It's really strange I asked Cynthia about this because when we watched it for the first time, I, like, felt certain things that I felt on the day when I watched them, which was so weird. Like, my heart rate, like, my heart started, like, fluttering when I, like, realized she was going to enter the Oz dust. It's so strange. And just kind of like watching her and that gut wrenching moment. Yeah, I think that was a really big day. And defying gravity and saying goodbye and tying her cape and saying goodbye. To my friend. And you know that decision. I know we're not allowed to talk about it, but I can't wait for you to see.

[Kevin]

Well, that's the thing where I'm like, all the side characters are really gonna get a chance to shine in the second movie. And I just, like. It's annoying to say, but I want the second movie now. And we have been through the first one.

[Ariana Grande]

Me, too. I got to be there and watch some of it, and it's like I was dying. It's so cool. It's so good. Everyone is so good. It's really creepy. Sorry.

[Quincy]

It's okay. We're all in the same place mentally.

[Kevin]

The screening we went to, as soon as the first movie ended, everyone was.

[Ariana Grande]

Like, play the second one. That's good. That's great news. Oh, my God.

[Kevin]

And what I think is good about the film adaptation is on Broadway. It's very easy to get caught up into these divas singing down and get caught up in the performance of it all. And you forget that Wicked is kind of centered around the Dilliman storyline and animal rights.

[Ariana Grande]

It is a story about animals, really. We're here.

[Kevin]

All of that rings true in the movie in a very real way. Even something bad hits in the movie.

[Ariana Grande]

It hits.

[Kevin]

Which I don't know if I'd say on stage.

[Ariana Grande]

There's. I mean, honestly. Thank God. I'm so happy to hear you say that. It's really. It's taken on a life of its own in the film.

[Kevin]

It's.

[Quincy]

Yeah. I think we talked about, too. Is just like, the artistry involved in the animals does so much to further the heaviness of that plot. Like, it hits so much harder. Cause you're looking at a goat, not an actor with a goat mask on. And it's like the. The difference that that makes is paramount.

[Ariana Grande]

It's. I mean, he's so beautiful. Dr. Dilliman is the most emotional, moving, insane thing I've ever seen. I really am. I am thankful that he didn't look like that in the classroom when I'm being an absolute. You know what to him. Because I wouldn't have gotten through the scene. There's no way. I mean, he's adorable, and I'm being an absolute. You know. Yeah. But also, the actors who were doing the physical acting for Chistry and Dilliman. Oh, my God.

[Kevin]

Paint that picture for us. What it was like to be on set shooting that.

[Ariana Grande]

Oh, my goodness. Well, Robin, who plays Chistry, I mean, they really modeled all of Chistri's movements after what he was actually physically doing in like a gray suit. He was just so beautiful and like such an incredible performer. Like the transformation scene where he's getting his wings, I was so, like scared and moved.

[Kevin]

There's a real person freaking out.

[Ariana Grande]

Yes. Oh, wow. And what you see Chestry doing, Robin was doing in a bodysuit and the sounds as well, like all of it. And he was just so beautiful, so moving. It was like so intense. Cynthia and I both were like, choked up. Like, it was very intense. There's so many like brilliant performers involved in this that I fear, like without these behind the scenes pieces that I'm so happy Universal has been putting out and everything, people wouldn't be able to know about what other like brilliance that is happening that's making this movie what it is. Like every single, like Louisa, who was our dilamand, she was reading all the monologues, all the lines, all the everything and physically doing the work as well. And on her, like little, like the specific arm movement things that she had to wear, these little arm things so that she could be on all fours like a goat and a thing on her head with tennis balls over here. And I'm like, I'm. I'm going to be a bitch of tennis balls today. That's doable, right?

[Kevin]

Right.

[Ariana Grande]

We see in the movie, I'm like, damn, that's really intense. No. Yeah, no, but no, there's so much brilliance behind the scenes that I think, like, I'm so glad Universal is capturing and showing the world because it's really special. And I got to do some really special work with Robin in movie too as well. So I love him. He's just such a beautiful history. I hope they show more footage of him being just Drake. Just amazing. So amazing.

[Kevin]

What I will say is I feel like there's a common fear or apprehension that I hear people have about this movie being nervous there. It's too CGI and it's gonna be very animation vibes. But I would say in watching the movie, I was shocked at how real everything felt and all. How practical all of the sets were in actuality.

[Ariana Grande]

Oh, that makes me so happy. Yeah. I mean, the only thing that is CG is, you know, the animals really. Everything else was there. Everything else we. It was, it was the most insane thing, these sets. Nathan Crowley is the most incredible set designer, but just walking into like a theme park, it felt like every day it was the craziest, most submersive thing in the world. And you know, the yellow brick Road and my bubble platform, and it was just. Yeah, the munchkin huts were actually functioning. Munchkin huts.

[Kevin]

Oh, really?

[Ariana Grande]

You'd go in there and there would be someone taking a nap, and I'd be like, holy shit. Sorry. I was, like, looking for. I don't know, whatever, finding a coffee somewhere. But, you know, I don't know, it was just. It was really crazy. It was. Yeah. All of it was practical, and I think you felt that.

[Kevin]

Oh, can we talk about something? I think that rings true in this movie between you and Cynthia, before you two are friends, before Elphaba and Glynda are friends, is there's such a joy in taunting each other, and there's like, a clear love even when you guys are being mean to each other.

[Ariana Grande]

When we admire each other, it's like flirting more than.

[Quincy]

It's like, yeah, yeah.

[Kevin]

How much of that was directed and established? Or is that something you just landed on in acting it out with them?

[Ariana Grande]

With Cynthia, I think that's just how we did it. I think we couldn't resist that urge because they don't. I mean, like, sure, they hate each other, but also they admire each other a lot. I want.

[Kevin]

Fascinated by each other.

[Ariana Grande]

Yeah, she's fascinated. Yeah, we're fascinated by each other. I respect her talent. I see that. You know what I mean? It's interesting. Also, I think the reason why we dislike each other is because we. There's so much that we resonate with each other. We're like, oh, we have a lot in common. And I hate that. I hate that.

[Quincy]

Right. I don't want to have a lot in common with this person because I.

[Ariana Grande]

Think they're the opposite of me. But something feels like home, and I can't figure it out yet. You know, it's like, how could this person that is so supposed to be my opposite, why am I, like, falling in love with him? I can't figure out, like, what's happening at all. But, yeah, that's just kind of how it felt. And we just followed it.

[Kevin]

All right, Kevin, I think it's time.

[Ariana Grande]

Okay.

[Quincy]

Okay. It's time for our last question. This is how we end every interview.

[Ariana Grande]

I know.

[Quincy]

Are you a. No one mourns the wicked Glinda. A popular Galinda or a thank goodness Glinda?

[Ariana Grande]

I think I'm a thank goodness Glinda for sure. I think I'm, like, on the cusp of. No one mourns the wicked. I think it's my. That's probably my favorite to sing, but I think I thank Goodness, Glinda, for sure.

[Kevin]

Why?

[Ariana Grande]

I think just because I've. I've been there and I've asked those same questions and I felt that feeling so many times. I think. Yeah, it's just like I said, I think it's a specific thing and I've felt it and I know it. And sometimes we learn the hard way that the things that make us feel most ourselves and most full are the things that maybe we have had all along or the weight that we thought this thing would hold isn't what you thought. You know, this thing that people make seem so like the end all, be all goal. Although we're grateful for it and we're going to pep ourselves up to do this job and it's a privilege and we're going to do it and we're going to be good and make people feel good. It feels so. It can feel sometimes like, so corrupt and empty. And I think that is something that I've. I've like filmed several times. And that is why I'm a. Thank goodness, Glinda, because also there's also such a through line of. Even though it's bittersweet, there is a through line of gratitude in it. And I think that's something that has kept me afloat for my whole life, even in the hardest moments.

[Kevin]

And now we have to just wait until 2025 to see Ariana Grande's Thank Goodness It'll fly. Okay, we have some rapid fire questions that we're gonna ask all your movie cast base.

[Ariana Grande]

I hope they're not about the moon girl. No, I pray they're not about the moon landing. Oh, my God. Help me. Help.

[Kevin]

So this can be. You have to answer with one of your shiz class of 2024 castmates. You can only use each name once. Okay.

[Ariana Grande]

Okay.

[Quincy]

So who was most likely to be first to set?

[Ariana Grande]

Me. Me. Me or Ethan Early Most likely to.

[Kevin]

Be the last one to leave set.

[Ariana Grande]

Me or John.

[Quincy]

Or John.

[Ariana Grande]

Yeah.

[Kevin]

Okay.

[Quincy]

Okay.

[Ariana Grande]

I love this game.

[Quincy]

I'm most likely to take a keepsake from set.

[Ariana Grande]

These are like. Is this a joke? Is this a bit. Did you do this?

[Quincy]

Are these all going to be you?

[Ariana Grande]

No, you can't do this. No. Okay. Me or Cynthia? Because we both stole quite a bit.

[Kevin]

Most likely to option up during a song.

[Ariana Grande]

Oh, both of us, Cynthia and me. Her wizard and I, we didn't even get to talk about it yet. It's the best.

[Kevin]

I want to know how many options are on record of her doing that, though.

[Ariana Grande]

Oh, my God. I have them all. They're so good. They're so good. No, they're so good. You have no clue. Sorry. That's why it's kind of like. I wish we get. It's not fair. I want to do you know what I mean? I want to do hos a week so we can hear the. I want to hear every single Cynthia Reebok.

[Kevin]

I feel like every city should just get a different version of the songs in the movie. Yes.

[Quincy]

Yes.

[Ariana Grande]

Okay. Sorry, what was the question?

[Kevin]

Okay, go, Kevin.

[Ariana Grande]

It was an hour ago.

[Quincy]

Most likely to stay in character after the camera stops rolling.

[Ariana Grande]

Um.

[Quincy]

You can't do this to me.

[Ariana Grande]

This isn't fair. Because you broke them so that I same me for everything.

[Kevin]

Not true.

[Ariana Grande]

No.

[Kevin]

I mean, there's actually one on here that's designed for you, and we haven't even gotten there yet.

[Quincy]

We haven't even gotten to it.

[Ariana Grande]

I would say me and Cynthia. I think everyone was a little lost in the sauce. I'd say everyone and Jeff.

[Quincy]

Everyone.

[Ariana Grande]

Jeff Goldman. Jeff.

[Kevin]

Most likely to break character.

[Ariana Grande]

No one. Well, everyone, even when they giggled or broke, was still in character. That's the thing. Like, everyone was lost in the sauce.

[Kevin]

A very dedicated group of actors.

[Quincy]

Was there anybody who was easier to get to giggle?

[Ariana Grande]

Michelle. Michelle. Yeah. Yeah.

[Quincy]

All right. Most likely to get the shot in one take.

[Ariana Grande]

I want to say everyone. Cynthia. Everyone. Cynthia. Cynthia. Definitely Cynthia. Everyone though. Everyone though. It's hard. Everyone is so good.

[Kevin]

Most likely to cry on set.

[Ariana Grande]

Everyone. Me. Everyone. We all cried every day. That's the thing. We all cried. John cried. Cynthia cried. I cried. Johnny cried. Everyone cried.

[Kevin]

It sounds like a very beautiful environment to work.

[Ariana Grande]

It was beautiful. It was really beautiful. That was terrible. That's it. That's it.

[Quincy]

That was it. That was the.

[Ariana Grande]

Oh, my God. Well, thank you, Ariana.

[Kevin]

Thank you for coming on. This is amazing.

[Ariana Grande]

I've been looking forward to this for such a long time. I hope it was all right and I hope that you guys are happy with it, and I hope we're going to hang up and then remember a bunch of things that we didn't talk about.

[Kevin]

Well, we'll do this again. We got another year of movie time.

[Quincy]

We got another movie to talk about.

[Ariana Grande]

Thank God.

[Kevin]

Sweet. Well, thank you so much for joining us, Ariana Grande.

[Ariana Grande]

Thank you for having me. I had so much fun. I'll have more answers. I'll be more concise next time.

[Kevin]

You'Ve been listening to Sentimental Men.

[Quincy]

We'd like to say a big thank you to everyone at the Broadway Podcast Network.

[Kevin]

You can find sentimental men on Instagram, TikTok and X@sentmenpod.

[Quincy]

Or you can email [e-mail] till next time.

[Kevin]

I'm Quincy.

[Quincy]

And I'm Kevin. I don't know about you, but I personally feel like the world could use a lot more kindness right now. Hi, it's Robert Peter Paul, your friendly neighborhood VPN host of the Art of Kindness, a podcast that spotlights people in the arts who make the world, well, you guessed it, kinder. From icons like Carol Burnett to Tony winners like Stephanie J. Block to Olympians like Lori Hernandez, we've featured so many wonderful guests from all corners of the biz to give you intimate conversations and kindness tips. I'm thrilled to say we're returning for a fourth season.

[Ariana Grande]

Woop woop.

[Quincy]

This World Kindness Week with guests like Ian Armitage, Judith Light, Betty Hu, Corbin Blue, and more. So please, please join our kindness community over@vpn fmak. And I do hope you're doing as a OK as you can. Let's build a kinder world.

[Ariana Grande]

Aww.

[Quincy]

Audio hug.