Ariana Grande Breaks Silence On ‘Wicked,’ Oscar Buzz, And The Price Of Being ‘Popular’

Ariana Grande is having a major Hollywood moment! The pop sensation, who has dominated music charts for over a decade, is now making waves in the film industry with her highly anticipated role in Wicked. In a recent episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, the singer-actress opened up about her experience playing Glinda, the lessons she learned from the role and the highs and lows of fame.

From Pop Royalty to Hollywood Starlet

Grande, known for her powerhouse vocals and chart-topping hits like “Thank U, Next” and “Into You,” admitted that transitioning to a major film role was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. “It’s been the most challenging yet rewarding experience of my career,” she shared. “Glinda is such a beloved character, and I wanted to do her justice while making her my own.”

Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked is a two-part film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical that serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. With a star-studded cast that includes Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, expectations are sky-high. But Grande is no stranger to pressure. “I’ve been performing my whole life, but this was different. It felt like stepping into a world that was bigger than me.”

Oscar Buzz and Musical Magic

With Wicked set to be one of the biggest releases of the year, many are already whispering about Oscar potential—especially for Grande’s performance. “Hearing that kind of talk is surreal,” she admitted. “I never thought my first major film role would come with this level of excitement. But I try not to think about awards—I just want to make something beautiful.”

The film, set to release in two parts, is expected to bring Grande’s musical talents front and center. She revealed that reimagining iconic songs like “Popular” and “For Good” was both exciting and intimidating. “These songs are sacred to so many people. We wanted to honor the original while bringing something fresh.”

The Double-Edged Sword of Popularity

One of the most intriguing moments of the interview was Grande’s reflection on the theme of popularity—both in Wicked and in her own life. “Glinda’s journey is about understanding what it truly means to be ‘popular,’ and I think a lot of people, especially those in the public eye, can relate to that,” she said.

She didn’t shy away from discussing the darker side of fame. “There’s this illusion that being loved by millions means you’re happy all the time. But popularity can be isolating,” she explained. “Social media makes everything feel amplified—the praise, the criticism, all of it.”

What’s Next for Ariana?

Beyond Wicked, Grande remains committed to her music career. She recently teased new music in the works, hinting at a return to her R&B roots. “Music is my home, and I can’t wait to share what I’ve been working on,” she said with a smile.

As for whether she’ll continue acting after Wicked, Grande left the door open. “I’ve fallen in love with storytelling in a new way, so who knows? If the right project comes along, I’d love to do more.”

With Wicked set to hit theaters soon and a potential awards season run ahead, Ariana Grande is proving she’s not just a pop superstar—she’s a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. Fans will have to wait until the film’s release to see her take on Glinda, but if early buzz is any indication, Ariana is about to make magic once again.

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