Ariana Grande Calls Filming New Wicked Song a ‘Long, Emotional Process’

Ariana Grande opened up about the emotional process of filming Wicked: For Good, teasing a new song for Glinda as well as a major transformation for the character.

While appearing on Variety’s “Awards Circuit Podcast,” released on Saturday, January 11, Grande, 31, opened up about filming the song “For Good,” the iconic duet between Glinda and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo). For the uninitiated, the song marks a pivotal moment for the characters in the upcoming Wicked sequel.

“Shooting ‘For Good’ was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” Grande shared. “It was such a long and emotional process. I kind of left my body. We filmed it over the course of a week, and it stayed with me. I haven’t even seen the final cut yet because I’m not sure I’m ready to feel all of it again.”

Wicked: For Good will also feature a completely new song for Glinda, which was written by composer Stephen Schwartz for the film.

“It’s a pivotal moment in Glinda’s journey,” Grande reveals. “It shows a side of her we’ve never seen before. In the stage show, this transformation happens offstage. But in the movie, we get to see her make the decision that defines who she is. It’s a privilege to sing this song and be the first Glinda to bring it to life.”

Glinda was originally played by Kristin Chenoweth in Wicked on Broadway. Speaking with Variety, Grande further reflected on her own interpretation of the character, saying, “From the moment it was announced, I realized this role would live with me forever.”

She continued, “It’s an honor, but it also comes with so much weight. I wanted to do it justice. Glinda isn’t just a character to me — she’s a symbol of growth and love, and I wanted to give her everything I had.”

Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked is based on the Broadway musical and Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel of the same name. It follows the story of Elphaba, a.k.a. the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda, a.k.a. Glinda the Good Witch, before and during the events of The Wizard of Oz as their relationship develops from rival roommates to best friends, set against the backdrop of societal turmoil in the land of Oz.

Erivo, for her part, also gushed about one of the sequel’s new songs on a December 2024 episode of Variety’s “Award Chatter” podcast.

“I collaborated on one of the new songs, and it’s so special to me,” she said at the time. “When we filmed it, the entire crew was in tears. I hope audiences are ready — it’s a song that speaks to the heart of who Elphaba is.”

She continued, “We’re diving deeper into the consequences of the characters’ choices. The story is richer, and the stakes are higher. It’s not just a continuation; it’s a transformation.”

Wicked is in theaters now and is available to rent and purchase on digital platforms. The sequel, titled Wicked: For Good, will hit theaters on November 21.