Ariana Grande emerged from her glamorous world to grace us with her dazzling presence at the Australian premiere of the much-anticipated film Wicked.
The vibrant movie musical, in which the 31-year-old pop powerhouse takes on the role of Galinda/Glinda, hosted its exciting first red carpet premiere in Australia on Sunday, November 3. Grande opted for a show-stopping ensemble, embodying the whimsical spirit of her character in a stunning pink ballgown designed by Vivienne Westwood.
Her exquisite gown featured dramatic oversized cap sleeves and a voluminous tulle skirt adorned with sparkling crystals mimicking the shapes of starbursts. Grande further enhanced her ethereal look with sparkling diamond jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz, including a striking butterfly choker that caught the light beautifully.
For her hair, Grande wore her signature blonde locks in soft, flowing waves that gently cascaded down her back, perfectly complementing her enchanting ensemble.
Overall, the look epitomized the enchanting essence of Glinda, reminiscent of the iconic character’s dresses from classic productions. The oversized sleeves and lavish skirt particularly evoked memories of the elegant gown worn by Billie Burke in the original Wizard of Oz film.
Wicked serves as the fascinating prequel to the beloved tale of Oz, revealing the complex backstory of the witches Glinda, The Good Witch of the North, and Elphaba, The Wicked Witch of the West. This cinematic adaptation, inspired by Gregory Maguire’s beloved novel that also brought forth an award-winning Broadway musical, depicts the evolving friendship of Galinda/Glinda and Elphaba as they navigate their time together at the magical Shiz University.
Grande scored the coveted role of Galinda/Glinda alongside Cynthia Erivo, who portrays Elphaba. The two talented actresses shared some memorable moments together on the yellow-brick carpet during the premiere, further delighting fans with their onscreen chemistry.
Erivo, 37, also captured attention on the red carpet, stunning attendees in a sophisticated strapless black gown by Louis Vuitton, which paired flawlessly with a bold, matching choker that added a touch of glamour to her look.
This star-studded Australian premiere welcomed not only Grande and Erivo but also recognized other talented cast members of Wicked, including Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Marissa Bode, and Ethan Slater, who all exuded charisma and charm on the carpet.
Tony Award nominee Slater, 32, takes on the role of Boq, a munchkin infatuated with the Good Witch. Interestingly, behind the scenes, he and Grande began dating after navigating their individual divorces, adding an extra layer of romance to their professional collaboration.
In a heartfelt conversation with GQ, Slater expressed his enthusiasm for Grande’s work on the film, saying, “It was an amazing year and a really beautiful thing, and I’m just really excited. I’m really proud of Ari and the work she’s done on this. She’s poured herself into it. I’m really proud that I got to be there for that part of it, and I’m really excited to be there for this next step of it when the world gets to see the amazing thing that she did.”
**Interview with Ariana Grande: A Glimpse into Glinda at the Sydney Premiere of *Wicked***
**Interviewer:** Ariana, thank you for joining us today at the premiere of *Wicked*. You look absolutely stunning in your Vivienne Westwood gown! What inspired your look for this special occasion?
**Ariana Grande:** Thank you so much! I really wanted to embody Glinda’s whimsical and magical essence, so I felt that this pink ballgown captured her spirit perfectly. The oversized sleeves and sparkly details were just too good to resist—definitely a nod to the classic *Wizard of Oz*!
**Interviewer:** Your gown is truly enchanting and reminiscent of Billie Burke’s iconic costume. How does it feel to step into the shoes of such a beloved character?
**Ariana Grande:** It’s honestly a dream come true. Glinda is such a vibrant character with so much depth. Getting to bring her to life has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I love her journey and the evolution of her friendship with Elphaba—there’s so much to explore.
**Interviewer:** The film really delves into the complex friendship between Glinda and Elphaba. How do you approach portraying that dynamic, especially with Cynthia Erivo by your side?
**Ariana Grande:** Working with Cynthia has been an absolute joy. We both bring our interpretations to the roles, and her portrayal of Elphaba is powerful and moving. Our chemistry drives the story; it’s about two very different witches learning from each other, facing challenges, and ultimately growing together. I think audiences will really connect with their relationship.
**Interviewer:** The anticipation for *Wicked* has been incredible. What do you hope viewers take away from the film?
**Ariana Grande:** My hope is that viewers see the importance of love, acceptance, and understanding. The story of Glinda and Elphaba shows that friendship can overcome differences and challenges. It also reminds us to embrace who we truly are, which is a powerful message for everyone.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, any special moments from filming that stand out to you?
**Ariana Grande:** Oh, so many! But one that sticks out is the moment we filmed “For Good.” It was incredibly emotional, and I felt so honored to be a part of that scene with Cynthia. It really encapsulates everything this story is about.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ariana! We can’t wait to see you shine in *Wicked*.
**Ariana Grande:** Thank you! I’m excited for everyone to see it!
