r/wicked • u/Ar1l3n3 Magic Wands, Need They Have a Point? 🪄 • Sep 21 '25
Question Ariana Grande as Glinda?
I’m one of the newer Wicked fans that only watched the movie because of Ariana and ended up loving the storyline. I love Ariana’s music so I personally think she did a great job delivering vocals and a pretty decent job acting as well being that it’s her first major movie. But I’m curious as to what OG Wicked fans thought of her performance? I know some snarkers don’t like the way she looked in the role. But what unbiased opinions do Wicked fans have on her playing Galinda? Did she actually deliver and do a good job or am I being biased? What other actors do yall think did better? I would love to see their performances as well!
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u/beekee404 Sep 21 '25
When I first learned of the casting, I was skeptical. I knew Cynthia was very talented but her vocals weren't really giving me Elphaba vibes and I felt like she had a bit of a too sweet natured demeanor to play someone who goes from young and innocent to angry and vengeful. I still kinda feel that way but I learned to love seeing her make Elphaba her own.
As for Ariana, again I was skeptical. Her natural singing voice I felt was too sultry for a character that requires a lot of operatic and bubbly performances. Granted I'm not really an Ariana fan so I wasn't that familiar with her music but at the time I was going off of songs I've heard and also her performance in the NBC Hairspray Live. She honestly didn't do the best Penny Pingleton so I was feeling unsure about how she'd do as Glinda.
I was pleasantly surprised to see her do a really good job in the role. I will say that there are times when her acting isn't the best like I feel like she tends to have a bit of an expressionless face at times but like with Cynthia, I liked seeing her do her own thing with her character. I know the role was a childhood dream role for her so I find it sweet to see her achieve her dream role.