Ariana Grande calls filming new Wicked Song a ‘long, emotional process’

Ariana Grande talked about the emotional process of filming Wicked: For Goodteasing a new song for Glinda as well as a major transformation for the character.

While appearing on DiversityOn the Awards Circuit Podcast released Saturday, Jan. 11, Grande, 31, talked about filming “For Good,” the iconic duet between Glinda and Elphaba (Cynthia Eriva). For the uninitiated, the song marks a pivotal moment for the characters in the future Angry continuation

“Filming ‘Forever’ was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” Grande shared. “It was such a long and emotional process. I kind of left my body. We shot it for a week and it stayed with me. I haven’t even seen the final version yet because I’m not sure I’m ready to experience it all again.”

Wicked: For Good will also feature a brand new song for Glinda, written by the composer Stephen Schwartz for the movie.

On the subject: Ariana Grande has credited Wicked’s Cynthia Eriva for helping her “heal.”

Ariana Grande credits her Wicked co-star Cynthia Eriva for helping her “heal parts” of herself. Grande, 31, and Eriva, 37, talked about their friendship in an interview with The New York Times, which was published on Wednesday, November 6.

“It’s a pivotal moment in Glinda’s journey,” Grande reveals. “It shows a side of her that we’ve never seen before. On stage, this transformation takes place offstage. But in the movie, we see her make a decision that defines who she is. It’s an honor to sing this song and be the first Glinda to bring it to life.”

Initially, Glinda played Kristin Chenoweth Art Angry on Broadway. Talking to DiversityGrande reflected on her own interpretation of the character, saying, “From the moment it was announced, I knew this role would live with me forever.”

She continued: “It’s an honor, but it also carries a lot of weight. I wanted to do it justice. Glinda is more than just a character to me—she’s a symbol of growth and love, and I wanted to give her everything I had.”

Director John M. Chu, Angry based on the Broadway musical and Gregory MaguireThe 1995 novel of the same name. It follows Elphaba, aka the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, aka Glinda the Good Witch, before and during the events of The Wizard of Oz as their relationship evolves from rival roommates to best friends amid societal upheaval in Oz.

Erivo, in turn, also gushed about one of the new songs of the sequel in the December 2024 series Diversity“Reward chatter” podcast.

“I collaborated on one of the new songs and it’s special to me,” she said at the time. “When we were filming, the whole crew was in tears. I hope the audience is ready for a song that speaks to the heart of who Elphaba is.”

She continued, “We delve deeper into the consequences of the characters’ choices. The story is richer and the stakes are higher. It’s not just a sequel; it’s a transformation.”

Wicked is now in theaters and available to rent and buy on digital platforms. Continued under the title Wicked: For Goodwill be released in theaters on November 21.