Ariana Grande has declared that her portrayal of Glinda in the film adaptation of Wicked is the most demanding role she has ever undertaken. The 32-year-old artist, whose career spans over two decades, expressed her thoughts in a heartfelt letter to the American Critics Choice Association (CCA) ahead of the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards. Grande’s performance in the film, which stars alongside Cynthia Erivo, has garnered significant attention, contributing to the movie’s seven nominations at this prestigious event.
In her letter shared on social media platform X, Grande wrote, “Playing Glinda has been the privilege of my life and the most demanding role of my career.” She elaborated on the character’s purpose, emphasizing Glinda’s ability to prompt audiences to look beyond themselves, particularly during times of societal division.
One of Grande’s primary challenges in portraying Glinda was ensuring that the character resonated as grounded and relatable. She noted, “Much of the work was playing what she does not yet see but what she feels.” This nuance required Grande to navigate the balance between humor and deeper emotional layers. “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.
In reflecting on the experience, Grande acknowledged that the role demanded an intricate balance between lightness and darkness. “The most rewarding part of the work that goes into a role like Glinda is finding that balance, making room for both her light and darkness to exist together,” she stated. Grande described the experience as a challenge for which she will always be grateful, highlighting the significance of her past training and life experiences in preparing her for this multifaceted character.
She expressed her emotional connection to Glinda, stating, “She made me laugh, cry, dance, sing, float, smile, and crumble.” Grande recognized that the character’s complexity is rare in her career. “I don’t know if I’ll ever again play a character that contains so many multitudes,” she added, emphasizing her appreciation for the journey of embodying Glinda.
Concluding her message, Grande expressed gratitude to audiences for their support, saying, “Thank you for taking the time to watch this film that I am, and we all are, so endlessly proud of.” As the release of Wicked approaches, Grande’s reflections highlight the depth of her commitment to her craft and the significant impact of this role on her career.
