‘Wicked’ Director Jon M. Chu Made Ariana Grande Give Up 1 Thing She Loves Dearly For Her Audition

The world is about to witness how pop sensation Ariana Grande will appear in the magical land of Oz in her upcoming movie Wicked. The Grammy-winning singer will be playing the role of Glinda in the film adaptation of the much-loved Broadway musical.

However, Grande had to show that she deserved to embody such an iconic character before landing the role. Jon M. Chu, the director of Wicked, did not immediately buy into the idea that the pop star could undergo a transformation into the good witch from Oz, which pushed Grande to show a side of herself rarely seen before.

Ariana Grande’s No Makeup Transformation for Wicked

Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz that centers around Elphaba, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, portrayed by Ariana Grande. The plot takes place in Shiz University, where the two unlikely friends will make decisions that will shape their fate in the land of Oz.

In order to play Glinda, director Jon M. Chu had only one condition for Grande- she had to lose her signature makeup look. According to Buzzing Pop, Chu said,

She came in the first time, and she looked like Ariana Grande. And we thought, ‘Hey, what if you came back and just didn’t have any of your make up?’ I did not know how that would go over. Not even a question, she came in and did that. And I saw her in a totally new light that I’d never seen her in.

Grande, whose love for cosmetics and makeup is not a secret, didn’t hesitate. The makeup-free audition is a major shift for Grande, who recently started her business of R.E.M. Beauty in fall 2021. The brand consists of eyeliners, mascaras, and liquid eye shadows. It shows how cosmetics and makeup are a way of self-expression for Grande.

Interestingly, the transformation process for the role helped the pop star find her character. Grande revealed to Vogue,

My pop persona is such a characterized version on its own. Beauty really helped me deconstruct that person and find Glinda. Even though I was wearing wigs, I needed to be blonde, too.

Grande’s commitment to the character made her come up with a special Wicked collection from R.E.M. Beauty. The collection is inspired by the stage show, movie, and original books, which again shows Grande’s dedication toward her character.

Ariana Grande Manifested Her Dream Role for Wicked

Grande has been connected with Wicked since she was a kid. Kristin Chenoweth, who played Glinda originally, remembered meeting an 8-year-old Grande at the Gershwin Theater. Chenoweth shared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,

She was maybe seven or eight..Her mom and grandma brought her back and she sang a little bit of ‘Popular’.. And I thought, ‘Well you’re pretty good.’

However, even for a celebrity like Ariana Grande, getting to play the part wasn’t easy at all. Chu revealed to Vanity Fair,

She auditioned many times. I sort of didn’t want to believe that she could do this. It seems almost too easy to say, ‘Oh, Ariana Grande.’ But every time she came in, she was the most interesting person.

Grande’s commitment to the part did not stop at her own casting sessions. She was giving out tips to other actresses that were also auditioning for Glinda. She told Vanity Fair,

I was trying my very best to be 100 percent transparent with everyone. Like, ‘This is my tea. This is what I’m singing. I’m going in on the 13th. I love you. Text me after.’

After half of the filming, Grande took to Instagram to express her happiness towards the process. ”Savoring every millisecond left with my Galinda,” she wrote. Her co-star Cynthia Erivo also acknowledged the perfect casting, admitting that the part was made for Grande as she sent her flowers with a note.

Wicked will be released in theaters on November 22, 2024.