Ariana Grande has always been known for her incredible vocal talent and captivating performances on stage. However, behind the bright lights and sold-out shows, the pop sensation has been battling with personal struggles that have affected her relationship with touring. In a recent interview, Grande opened up about how playing the iconic role of Glinda in the musical “Wicked” has helped her heal and find a new perspective on touring.
The 27-year-old singer has been in the music industry for over a decade and has achieved immense success with her chart-topping hits and multiple world tours. However, Grande has also faced her fair share of challenges, both in her personal life and in the public eye. In 2017, a terrorist attack at her concert in Manchester left 22 people dead and hundreds injured. This traumatic event took a toll on Grande’s mental health and left her struggling with anxiety and PTSD.
In her interview with NME, Grande shared how she used to view touring as a daunting and anxiety-inducing experience. “I think it just held some traumas for me before, and I feel those dissipating, and that is such an extraordinarily beautiful thing,” she said. However, everything changed when she took on the role of Glinda in the musical “Wicked.”
Grande explained that playing Glinda on stage every night has helped her find joy in performing again. “It’s such a magical and pure experience to be able to feel genuinely happy and uplifted every night,” she said. The role has also given her a new perspective on touring, as she sees it as a way to spread happiness and positivity through her music.
The Broadway musical, “Wicked,” is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire and tells the untold story of the witches of Oz. Grande’s character, Glinda, is the good witch who is known for her bubbly personality and infectious energy. It’s no surprise that Grande was a perfect fit for the role, given her own bubbly and charismatic persona.
Aside from helping her heal, playing Glinda has also been a dream come true for Grande. She has been a fan of the musical since she was a teenager and even performed a cover of the song “The Wizard and I” for her YouTube channel back in 2008. “It’s been something that I’ve always wanted to do, and the fact that I get to do it now is really, really exciting,” she shared.
Grande’s passion for the role and the musical is evident in her performance. She has received rave reviews for her portrayal of Glinda and has even been compared to the original Broadway actress, Kristin Chenoweth. Grande’s powerful vocals and stage presence have brought a new energy to the character, making her a standout in the production.
Moreover, Grande’s involvement in “Wicked” goes beyond just her performance on stage. She has also been involved in the creative process, working closely with the show’s director, Michael Mayer, to bring her own interpretation of Glinda to life. This collaboration has allowed Grande to explore her creativity and push herself out of her comfort zone.
Grande’s journey with “Wicked” has not only helped her heal but has also inspired her to continue pursuing her passion for performing. “I’m so grateful to be a part of something so beautiful and magical and to be able to make people feel something in a different way,” she expressed. This experience has shown Grande the transformative power of music and how it can heal and uplift not only herself but also her audience.
In the end, Grande’s journey with “Wicked” has been a testament to her resilience and determination to overcome her past struggles. She has found a new love for touring and has shown that with the right mindset and passion, one can turn their traumas into something beautiful. As her character Glinda says, “It’s time to trust my instincts, close my eyes, and leap.” And that is exactly what Grande has done, leaping into a new chapter of her musical career with grace and strength.
In conclusion, Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Glinda in “Wicked” has not only been a dream come true for the singer but also a healing journey that has allowed her to find joy and happiness in performing once again. Her story serves as an inspiration to all of us to never give up on our passions and to always trust in the power of music to heal and uplift. With her infectious energy and powerful
