Ariana Grande has disclosed that her portrayal of Glinda “Galinda” Upland in the upcoming film adaptation of *Wicked* stands out as the most demanding role of her career. The 32-year-old artist, who made her Broadway debut at the age of 15, has enjoyed a diverse career spanning television, music, and film. In a heartfelt letter addressed to the American Critics Choice Association (CCA), shared on X, Grande reflected on her experience ahead of the *Critics’ Choice Awards* ceremony scheduled for March 2026.
The film adaptation, which features Grande alongside actress Cynthia Erivo, has garnered significant attention, receiving a total of seven nominations at the upcoming awards. In her letter, Grande expressed her deep appreciation for the role, stating, “Playing Glinda has been the privilege of my life and the most demanding role of my career.”
Exploring Glinda’s Complexity
Grande elaborated on the character’s significance, emphasizing Glinda’s role in encouraging audiences to look beyond themselves. She noted that Glinda’s purpose is to remind viewers that it’s never too late to become part of the solution or serve as an ally, particularly in a time of societal division. One of the most significant challenges for Grande was ensuring that Glinda resonated as a grounded character.
“The craft was letting that emptiness live beneath the humor, never announcing it or judging it, but allowing it to surface in moments of stillness,” she explained. Grande highlighted the delicate balance between Glinda’s light-hearted nature and her deeper emotional struggles.
Lessons and Gratitude
Grande described the experience of playing Glinda as a “challenge that I will always be grateful for.” She shared that all her previous training and experiences culminated in this singular role. “I do believe a lot of my life experiences prepared me for her,” Grande wrote, emphasizing that Glinda’s comedic nature and high voice were not the only aspects that drew her to the character.
The singer-actress acknowledged the complexity of Glinda, stating, “She made me laugh, cry, dance, sing, float, smile, and crumble.” Grande concluded her message by expressing her gratitude to the audience, saying, “Thank you for taking the time to watch this film that I am, and we all are, so endlessly proud of.”
As anticipation builds for the release of *Wicked*, Grande’s insights into her character reveal not only her commitment to the role but also her desire to convey a meaningful message through her performance.
