Ariana Grande has shared why she chose to go by her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera, in the upcoming “Wicked” film adaptation.
The pop star, 31, plays Glinda the Good Witch in the first of the two-film series, which hits theaters on November 22.
Although known professionally as Ariana Grande, the singer surprised audiences at an early screening of “Wicked” by using her full name in the credits. i A recent interview With Australian reporter Justin Hill, Grande explained that using her “little girl name” was a way to honor her deep connection to the musical.
“Technically, it’s my little girl’s name,” Grande explained. “It felt like a homecoming for me. I feel like I came home in a lot of ways, learning from Glinda and Elphaba. That was the name when I first saw ‘Wicked’ when I was 10 years old. was, and it felt like a beautiful way to honor that moment. It felt full circle.”
Grande first saw “Wicked” two years after her parents, Joan Grande and Edward Butera, separated. At an auction for Broadway Cares, Joan won a backstage trip for Ariana, where she met original cast members Norbert Leo Butz, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth.
Chenoweth, who played Glinda in the original Broadway production, celebrated Grande’s casting in 2021 and shared a vintage photo from their backstage meeting.
“From the moment we first met, I knew you were the one for the role,” Chenoweth, 56, wrote. Instagram. “Congratulations @arianagrande! You will be the most amazing Glinda, especially with @cynthiaerivo by your side. 💗💚 I love you!! 🧚♀️👑🪄”
Directed by “Crazy Rich Asians” filmmaker Jon M. Cho, “Wicked” stars Cynthia Ario as Elphaba, Jonathan Bailey Fierro, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrable, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, and Peter Dinklage as Dr. Delamond. .
Grande spoke fondly of her first meeting with Chenoweth during an appearance in June. “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” “Kristen invited me into her dressing room, and we spent a lot of time together,” he recalled. “His dog peed on the couch, and we cleaned it up together. It was so magical.”
Chenoweth gave Grande a witch’s wand and “magical shower gel”, which Grande still loves. “I dip my little pinky in it every day,” she said, “and I think it’s really magical.”
Grande’s love of “Wicked” is well documented. In 2011, she posted a tweet expressing her dream of playing Glinda: “Loved watching ‘Wicked’ again…amazing production! Made me realize again how bad Glinda I was at some point in my life.” Kinda wanna play! #DreamRole.”
He also proved his “Wicked” superfan status when he performed for “The Wizard and I.” NBC’s “Wicked” 15th Anniversary Special In 2018.
Despite her passion and vocal talent, Grande admits that playing the role of Glinda was not easy. In an interview on November 1 “Emotional Man” Podcastshe described the audition process as a “challenge”.
“Anything on this scale has to be earned,” he said. “It’s fun to correct people’s perceptions and prove what I can deliver. I understand why people might doubt me based on what they know about me, but I’ve done that. Has worked hard for.
“Wicked” opens on November 22, with the second part slated for release on November 21, 2025.
Credit : nypost.com
