Ariana Grande Explains Why She’s Keeping Glinda’s Voice After Wicked

Ariana Grande has revealed that the vocal alterations she made for her role as Glinda in the film adaptation of Wicked may be permanent. In an interview with Variety, the Golden Globe-nominated actress shared that the changes made to her higher register and crisper articulation for the character were intentional and might stay with her long-term.

Vocal Changes That May Stay with Her

Ariana explained that the role of Galinda required significant vocal work, noting that while some changes may fade away, others are likely to remain. “I think that might stay,” she said, referring to the distinctive qualities in her voice for the role. “Some will, but I’m really grateful for the pieces that will stay with us forever.”

The 31-year-old emphasized the emotional connection to the role, describing it as a beautiful thing to “feel the ghost of every day” as she carries the influence of her character with her.

Behind-the-Scenes Dedication

Grande also highlighted the intensive preparation required for her transformation into Glinda, alongside her costar Cynthia Erivo, with whom she spent significant time refining their performances. She noted that the process of fully embodying the character took considerable effort, and some aspects—such as specific inflections and mannerisms—might not easily fade after the production wrapped. “Maybe people underestimate how long we spent finding and disappearing into these women,” Ariana stated.

This ongoing transformation of her voice was necessary to bring the role to life, and Grande was adamant about the dedication and hard work involved. She also addressed critics who have mocked her vocal changes, explaining that many might not fully understand the extent of voice transformation for such a demanding role.

Addressing Criticism and Protecting Her Craft

In a September interview with Vanity Fair, Ariana addressed the criticism surrounding her altered voice, noting that people might not realize the effort involved in shifting her vocal quality for the character. “There is a part of the world that isn’t familiar with what it takes to transform your voice,” she said, touching on the demands of singing, adopting a dialect, or performing in character.

Amid the discourse about her voice, Ariana explained that she wanted to stand up for herself because she was proud of her performance and the effort she put in. “I am really proud of my hard work,” she emphasized. “I did give 100 percent of myself, including my physicality, to this role. I am proud of that, so I wanted to protect it.”

Looking Forward to the Future

As she continues to evolve as an artist and actress, Ariana Grande’s commitment to her craft and her transformation into Glinda in Wicked is something she will carry with her. Whether or not her new vocal traits fully fade, the dedication she poured into the role is undeniable, and her pride in her work will likely remain an important part of her artistic legacy. “Part of why I did want to engage [with critics] is because I am really proud of my hard work,” Ariana explained, “and of the fact that I did give 100 percent of myself, including my physicality, to this role. I am proud of that, so I wanted to protect it.”