Ariana Grande is set to take on the role of Glinda, and Kristin Chenoweth, the original Broadway star, believes her performance will resonate with audiences. With the release of the Wicked movie just weeks away, Chenoweth expressed her eagerness to see Grande shine in the role.
“I couldn’t be more excited for her, and I can’t wait for the world to see what I know, which is how funny she is,” Chenoweth shared with PEOPLE while promoting her collaboration with HomeGoods for the upcoming “Deck the Everything Day” event on November 1.
Chenoweth encourages Grande to make Glinda her own in Wicked
According to Chenoweth, Grande’s selection as Glinda carries special importance due to their long friendship. “A lot of people forget how she started on Broadway, and I’ve known her since she was ten years old,” Chenoweth recounted.
She remembered the moment Grande called her during the COVID audition process, emotional and thrilled about the opportunity. “She said, ‘I got the audition,’ and I asked, ‘For which part?’ because she could do either. Then she said, ‘The one I wanted, Glinda,’ and we both cried.”
In terms of guidance, Chenoweth emphasizes that she encouraged Grande to embrace her unique interpretation of Glinda. “I told her, ‘You need to do your version of Glinda and I’m permitting you.
And that’s the only way I’ve helped her… I let go of the reins,” the Broadway icon explained. She added that Grande had expressed her hopes of pleasing Chenoweth with her take on the character, and Chenoweth reassured her, saying, “I’m going to love it because it’s time.”
As for what makes a successful Glinda, Chenoweth believes it’s crucial to maintain an understanding of the character’s flaws. “She’s amazing in her world, she’s helping this green girl try to look better. She didn’t know that it was completely offensive and when she becomes aware, she gets a little mean and hurtful,” Chenoweth elaborated.
“It’s how she grows and the arc of it that whoever plays the part has to remember. There’s forgiveness, friendship and love. So it’s a challenging role, but Ariana Grande is up for it. I’m not even worried one bit.”
Chenoweth recently attended a premiere to watch Grande’s performance of Glinda alongside other actresses who have portrayed the character on Broadway. On Instagram, she shared her heartfelt reaction, writing, “I’m in so much awe 🫧🧹 @wickedmovie is a gift for us all.
I am beyond proud of my precious angel, @arianagrande. She was born to play this role. I cried the whole night watching her & @cynthiaerivo. I love them from the bottom of my heart.”
Pride remains a key sentiment for Chenoweth as she reflects on her legacy alongside Idina Menzel, her original Elphaba. “Now we get to sit back and watch our girls get to do what they create and we will get to celebrate their version, and that’s the circle of life with our career and this industry,” she stated.
Chenoweth added that seeing Grande, someone she has known since childhood, take on her iconic role brings a mix of excitement, bittersweet emotions, and beauty.
