Ariana Grande shared a memorable early experience with Kristin Chenoweth, marking a remarkable moment in her life. Nearly 20 years before stepping into the role of Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked (set to premiere on November 22), the 31-year-old singer met the iconic Broadway actress backstage, who originated the role of Glinda.
Chenoweth, now 56, gifted the young Grande with a “magical body wash” and “a little wand,” a gesture that Grande recalls fondly. “I think it was magical because look at where we are now!” she says, reflecting on the special moment.
Ariana Grande reflects on a magical moment with Kristin Chenoweth nearly 20 years ago
The upcoming Wicked movies, directed by Jon M. Chu and adapted from the beloved Broadway musical originally starring Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, feature Grande alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West. Grande reminisces about her profound connection to the musical after seeing it in 2003 with her grandmother.
“My chemistry as a person permanently altered,” she explains, noting that her life is now divided into “two chapters: before and after seeing Wicked.” Beyond the thoughtful gift, Grande fondly recalls another moment from her backstage experience: “Chenoweth’s dog peed on the couch, and I helped her clean it up,” she shares with a laugh.
Jonathan Bailey, who portrays Fiyero in the Wicked films, jokingly asks if Grande kept the body wash from her encounter, prompting her to humorously respond, “The pee?” She clarifies that she did hold on to a different memento—a lip gloss from Stila Cosmetics’ Wicked collection. “Can’t be good to use,” she laughs, “It’s got to be poison. It’s old, but I did have it with me for a little extra magic.”
Bailey, who began his acting career in England, also has fond memories of Wicked and saw Menzel’s Elphaba on stage in London. “I was a massive, massive fan as well,” says the 36-year-old actor, recalling the profound impact of the musical’s orchestration. “The music was the thing that I kept coming back to.”
Having made her Broadway debut in 13 in 2008, Grande has remained close to Chenoweth, especially during her audition process for Wicked. In an October interview, Chenoweth expressed her excitement for Grande’s role. “She’s wickedly funny, a fantastic actor, and she’s going to get the opportunity to show it in this part,” Chenoweth shared.
Wicked: Part One opens in theaters on November 22, with Part Two scheduled for release on November 26, 2025. Fans can also explore behind-the-scenes details in PEOPLE’s special issue available now.
