Ariana Grande, who stars as Glinda in the film Wicked, had her family accompany her to the Los Angeles premiere, including her parents, mom Joan Grande and dad Edward Butera, as well as her brother Frankie Grande and his husband Hale Leon. The red carpet event held special significance for Ariana as she is credited in the movie with her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera. The actress explained that using her full name was a way of honoring her childhood self and the little girl who went to see the show when she was 10 years old.
During an appearance on The Streaming Service with Justin Hill, Ariana Grande shared that the experience of playing Glinda was a homecoming for her, allowing her to learn and grow from the character. She expressed how she felt like she came home to herself through embodying Glinda and Elphaba, Cynthia Erivo’s character. The name Ariana Grande-Butera holds a special significance for the actress, as it was her name when she first saw Wicked at the age of 10. This connection to her childhood and the impact of the characters on her life made using her full name in the movie a meaningful choice.
The relationship between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba in Wicked, goes beyond their on-screen characters. The duo spent a magical day together ahead of the film’s premiere, further bonding over their shared experience of bringing these iconic characters to life. The actresses’ chemistry and friendship translated seamlessly on screen, adding depth and authenticity to their portrayals of Glinda and Elphaba. Their dedication to their roles and the connection they share off-screen contributed to the success of Wicked.
Ariana Grande’s family played a significant role in her journey with Wicked, showing their support and love for her throughout the process. Having her mom, dad, brother, and his husband at the Los Angeles premiere was a special moment for Ariana, who values her family deeply. The actress credits her family for being her biggest fans, cheering her on and celebrating her success in Wicked. Their presence on the red carpet and their involvement in Ariana’s life added an extra layer of joy and happiness to the premiere event.
As Ariana Grande reflects on her experience playing Glinda in Wicked, she recognizes the impact it had on her personal growth and self-discovery. The actress felt a sense of coming home to herself through embodying the character and learning from her journey alongside Elphaba. The name Ariana Grande-Butera symbolizes a connection to her childhood self and the little girl who first fell in love with Wicked at the age of 10. Honoring that experience and embracing the lessons learned from Glinda and Elphaba allowed Ariana to find a deeper sense of self during the filming of Wicked.
Overall, the collaboration between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in Wicked brought a sense of magic and authenticity to the film. The duo’s shared day together and their close bond off-screen enhanced their performances as Glinda and Elphaba, creating a dynamic and engaging portrayal of the characters. Ariana’s family support and presence at the premiere added to the joy of the event, highlighting the actress’s deep connection to her loved ones. Through her role in Wicked, Ariana Grande found a sense of homecoming and self-discovery, embracing her childhood and the impact of the characters on her life.
