Ariana Grande Talks About Her First Day on the Set of “Wicked”: “It Was the Most Emotional Day of My Life!”

By David Hill On May 7, 2024

Ariana Grande, dressed in a custom Loewe ball gown, paused to talk with Variety’s Marc Malkin about her first day on the set of “Wicked” as she glided down the Met Gala red carpet Monday night.

“My first day on set for ‘Wicked’ was the most emotional day of my life,” Grande remembered. “I only recall crying while holding hands with Cynthia [Erivo] and Jon [Chu]. And [Jon] said, ‘Welcome to “Wicked.”‘”

“Wicked” is a movie adaptation of Winnie Holzman’s 2003 Tony Award-winning musical, starring Erivo and Grande as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. The film chronicles the narrative of an odd relationship between the soon-to-be Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the South, and how their lives alter after they meet the great and powerful Wizard of Oz.

Grande stated that her and Erivo’s natural rapport resulted from a strong friendship they developed during filming. “In all honesty, she is my sister.” “We truly discovered what we were in need of in one another,” Grande elaborated. “I eagerly await the reception of it by all.”

As soon as Erivo joined Grande on the carpet, the two responded in unison to a reporter’s question regarding the scene they were most eager for the audience to witness: “Every single one of them.” Grande gushed about Erivo’s performance in “Wicked,” stating that “every moment of our collaboration on set will never leave our lips.”

“In an extraordinary way, she humanizes [Elphaba] and brings her to life,” Grande continued. “Both her hands and eyes are otherworldly.” In return, Erivo lauded Grande, remarking that her co-star from “Wicked” “constantly displays her heart.”

Erivo continued, “She is so candid and generous with her performance that it is a pleasure to be in a scene with her.” “A solemn expression on her face indicates that she is telling the truth.” The premiere of “Wicked” by Chu is scheduled for November 27.