Ariana Grande, renowned as a chart-topping pop sensation, is looking towards her roots in musical theater as she passionately works on the highly anticipated adaptation of Wicked. The 31-year-old artist expressed her desire to prioritize acting in her career going forward, reflecting on her multifaceted journey in the entertainment industry.
During a heartfelt conversation with her Wicked costars Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers on the latest episode of their Las Culturistas podcast aired on Wednesday, November 6, Grande opened up about her deep-seated ambition to revisit Broadway someday. “It is my heart,” stated the founder of R.E.M. Beauty, who first captured audiences’ attention as a young teenager in the musical 13: The Musical, later gaining fame for her role as Cat Valentine on the popular Nickelodeon series Victorious.
“I’m gonna say something so scary — it’s gonna scare the absolute s–t out of my fans and everyone, but I love them, and they’ll deal, and we’ll be here forever,” she continued, boldly reassuring her dedicated followers. “I’m always going to make music, I’m always going to go on stage, I’m always going to do pop stuff, I pinky promise. But I don’t think doing it at the rate I’ve been doing it for the past 10 years is where I see the next 10 years.”
Grande elaborated on her emotional connection to her roots, stating, “Reconnecting with this part of myself who started in musical theater, and who loves comedy, and it heals me to do that — finding roles to use these parts of myself and put them in little homes and characters and bits and voices and songs.” She expressed a heartfelt desire to explore roles that resonate with her creativity, emphasizing, “Whatever makes sense, or whatever roles we see fit, or where I could really do a good job or honor the material, I would really love to. I think it’s a lot better for me. I’m getting emotional.”
The insightful interview comes just weeks before the November 22 release of the much-anticipated first film adaptation of Wicked, featuring a stellar cast that includes Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, and others. Amidst this whirlwind of activity, Grande recorded her first album in four years, titled Eternal Sunshine, which impressively spent two consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200 chart following its release in March.
Before Eternal Sunshine, Grande reflected on her previous album, 2020’s Positions, sharing her thoughts about its release on Las Culturistas. “When it came out, it kind of didn’t go so well,” she recalled, addressing the mixed response from her fanbase concerning the LP, which also managed to achieve two weeks at the top of the U.S. albums chart. “I just mean as far as what my fans were saying … I just got like, ‘This is not what we want’ vibes.”
She continued to delve into the emotional impact of this feedback, stating, “That really put me in a cage of judging every piece. I scrapped so many things I was going to put out for it. And now people love it like it’s the best thing I’ll ever make! What is that? How is that fair? But I love them for it.”
Listen to Las Culturistas featuring Ariana Grande below.
**Interview with Ariana Grande on Her Journey Back to Musical Theatre in *Wicked***
**Interviewer:** Ariana, it’s fantastic to have you here. You’ve been a pop icon for so long, but now you’re stepping back into your musical theatre roots with *Wicked*. Can you share a bit about what this transition means to you?
**Ariana Grande:** Thank you for having me! This means everything to me. Musical theatre has always been my first love. It feels like coming home. After all these years in pop, I’m excited to embrace the comedy and the storytelling in a way I haven’t in a while.
**Interviewer:** We’ve heard that you went through an extensive audition process for your role in *Wicked*. Can you tell us about that?
**Ariana Grande:** Yes! It was quite the journey. I auditioned five times! The producers wanted to ensure I could handle the intensity of a feature film, given it’s my first. It was nerve-wracking but also incredibly rewarding. Each audition pushed me to prove that I could bring this character to life.
**Interviewer:** That’s quite a commitment! What was your mindset during those auditions?
**Ariana Grande:** Honestly, a mix of excitement and anxiety. I really wanted to show that I could do this, not just for myself, but for my fans who have supported me through everything. Each audition felt like a step closer to reconnecting with that part of myself that started in musical theatre.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned before that this role brings you joy. Why is that connection to the stage so special for you?
**Ariana Grande:** It’s incredibly healing for me to tap into that side of my creativity. Musical theatre allows me to explore different characters and express myself in ways that pop music might not. It’s about finding roles that resonate and allow me to honor the material with my own unique touch.
**Interviewer:** You’ve reassured your fans that music will always be a part of your life. How do you see the balance between your music career and acting in your future?
**Ariana Grande:** I promise my fans I’ll always make music and keep that part of myself alive. But I’m also shifting my focus to explore more acting opportunities, particularly roles that let me dive deeper into my creative passions. It’s about finding the right balance and doing what fulfills me artistically.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what can we expect from you in *Wicked* and beyond?
**Ariana Grande:** Expect the unexpected! I’m pouring my heart into this role and I really hope it resonates with everyone. As for beyond *Wicked*, I’m looking to embrace projects that inspire me and let my creativity flow in all forms. I’m excited for what’s to come!
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much, Ariana. We’re all looking forward to seeing your performance in *Wicked*!
**Ariana Grande:** Thank you! I can’t wait for everyone to see it!
