Behind the Scenes: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Before Wicked
When Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo first began discussing their roles in the upcoming Wicked adaptation, few could have predicted the depth of preparation that would define their performances. In a recent video interview, the two stars took fans on a journey through the months of research, vocal training, and character development that preceded their on-screen magic.
The Early Conversations That Shaped Their Process
The story begins with an exclusive conversation PinkNews secured with both actresses, where they revealed how their paths converged long before cameras rolled. In this video, we take a closer look at the meticulous process behind their transformation into Elphaba and Glinda.
Grande, known for her powerful whistle register and pop vocal prowess, approached the role with a musician's precision. Meanwhile, Erivo brought her theatrical background from London's West End, where she had already established herself as a powerhouse vocalist. Their initial meetings focused on understanding the psychological complexity of their characters rather than simply mastering the famous songs.
Vocal Preparation: More Than Just Hitting Notes
What is psychologically going on with Elphaba and Glinda's relationship? Both actresses spent months in vocal coaches' studios, not just to perfect their singing, but to understand how their characters would evolve vocally throughout the story.
Grande worked extensively on her classical technique, learning to project her voice in ways that matched Elphaba's determined yet vulnerable nature. Erivo focused on maintaining the crisp, bubbly quality that would define Glinda's optimism while finding the underlying strength that made her character compelling.
Their training sessions often involved acting exercises alongside vocal work. What is psychologically going on with their dynamic? They explored how two different personalities could influence each other's vocal delivery, creating an authentic friendship that would carry through the film's biggest musical numbers.
Character Research Beyond the Script
Let's get into #WickedDeepDive territory as Grande and Erivo shared insights about their character development process.
Grande spent time studying the original novel, researching what makes a character "other" in society. She described feeling a profound connection to Elphaba's journey toward self-acceptance and her determination to prove herself despite prejudice.
Erivo, meanwhile, delved into the psychology of popularity and social influence. She examined how Glinda's position at Shiz University shaped her worldview and her relationship with Elphaba. The actresses discovered that their characters' friendship wasn't just about musical chemistry—it was about two fundamentally different people choosing to see each other clearly.
The Chemistry That Made Magic
The video interview reveals moments when the two stars were still strangers, getting to know each other through their shared work. They described early table reads where they had to trust each other with emotional vulnerability before even understanding the full scope of their characters' journey together.
"There was something special about watching Ariana's confidence build as she found Elphaba's voice," Erivo reflected. "And seeing how Cynthia's theatrical background helped her bring Glinda to life in ways I never expected," Grande added.
Their friendship developed naturally through shared experiences—late-night recording sessions, costume fittings, and quiet moments on set where they'd step back and admire what they'd created together.
Musical Numbers: Rehearsing Against Time
The production faced unique challenges, as many of the musical numbers required multiple takes to capture the emotional authenticity both actresses wanted to achieve. They worked with director Jon M. Chu and musical supervisors to balance technical perfection with raw emotion.
Grande described the pressure of performing "Defying Gravity" knowing it would define her career transition from pop star to movie musical lead. Erivo spoke about the
