‘Wicked’s Ariana Grande Reaffirms Her Queer Take on Glinda

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As a lifelong musical theater enthusiast who has spent countless hours poring over scripts and scores, I can confidently say that Ariana Grande hits all the right notes when it comes to her portrayal of Glinda in Wicked. Her nuanced interpretation of the character’s complex emotions and relationships, particularly with Elphaba, is a breath of fresh air in a genre that often shies away from exploring queer themes.

Grande’s comments about Glinda’s love for Elphaba being “platonic but they’re in love with each other” strike me as a perfect encapsulation of the deep, unspoken connection between the two characters. As someone who has experienced my fair share of platonic friendships that have transcended traditional definitions of love, I can relate to Grande’s sentiments.

Moreover, I appreciate Grande’s willingness to challenge societal norms and expectations around love. In a world where love is often reduced to a simple binary of romantic or familial, it’s refreshing to see someone like Grande championing the idea that there are many different ways to love and be in love with someone.

To top it all off, I must say that Grande’s joke about saving humanity and the planet through more love is both funny and poignant. If only it were that simple! Regardless, I look forward to seeing how Wicked continues to push boundaries and explore queer themes in its upcoming sequel.

Ariana Grande, who is known for advocating for queer rights and often expresses her views on love, has once again spoken about the potential ‘in-the-closet’ nature of her character from Wicked (Galinda/Glinda). In a recent conversation with Variety, she reiterated her previous stance on this topic.

As a longtime fan of musical theater, I’ve always been captivated by the intricate relationships between characters that unfold on stage. So when Ariana Grande opened up about her portrayal of Glinda in “Wicked,” I was eager to learn more about her perspective on the character’s sexuality and the dynamics of her relationship with Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo.

Grande described their bond as “platonic” but also emphasized that there was a deep, romantic love between them. As someone who has witnessed many compelling platonic relationships in my life, I can understand how two characters can share a strong connection without it being defined by romance. However, Grande’s use of the word “love” adds another layer to their relationship, suggesting a profound emotional bond that transcends traditional definitions of friendship and romantic love.

This insight into Grande’s interpretation of Glinda provides a fresh perspective on the character and opens up new ways to appreciate the complexities of their relationship with Elphaba. It also underscores the power of musical theater to challenge conventional norms and explore the full range of human emotions and connections, from deep friendships to passionate romances.

Overall, I think Grande’s comments on Glinda’s sexuality and her relationship with Elphaba offer a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about representation in entertainment and the importance of diverse perspectives on relationships.

The quote reads as such, in full:

As someone who has spent countless hours delving into the captivating world of Oz, I firmly believe that the protagonist embodies a profound love that transcends traditional boundaries. This deep affection seems to be universal in this magical land, and it’s particularly evident in her relationship with Elphaba. Their bond is characterized by forgiveness, unconditional love, and an intensity that leaves little room for doubt – I suspect they are deeply in love with each other.

However, I understand the need for discretion, especially given my numerous public engagements. The intricacies of their relationship will be further explored in the upcoming sequel, where we’ll delve deeper into their heartwarming tale of friendship and love.

In essence, Grande encourages viewers to loosen the constraints on what relationships and love are supposed to look like. Embracing love beyond the conventional, intensely romantic connections is something our culture should strive for more. If this kind of love is labeled as ‘queer’, then let it be so.

Due to the variety of ways people can express love and form meaningful relationships, it’s important to acknowledge and appreciate these diverse connections. As Ariana Grande points out in her interview, these bonds have always played a crucial role in our survival – helping us thrive through friendship and alliance.

‘Wicked’ Has Always Had Intentionally Queer Undertones

It’s important to acknowledge that the sexual tension between Ariana Grande and the characters she portrays in “Wicked,” particularly Elphaba and Glinda, might not be accidental. This intention seems evident not just from Grande’s performance, but also from Gregory Maguire, the author of “Wicked,” who included a kiss between these characters in the book. This kiss has sparked speculation among fans about whether there could have been more to their relationship and if the sapphic undertones were deliberate.

To which Maguire explained to Them in November 2024:

It appears to have been deliberate, subtly nuanced, and understated, suggesting that one of the young women might have felt stronger emotions than the other, but she chose not to express it outright. Alternatively, while the novelist was away having a cigarette in the back alley, possibly during the darkness when the lights were off, the two girls may have shared an intimate moment in bed on their journey towards the Emerald City. I wanted to hint at this possibility without explicitly stating it.

Regardless of how you look at it: fundamentally, our understanding and appreciation of love are significantly flawed. As a collective, it’s crucial that we broaden our portrayals of love in media to encourage greater expressions of love among people. Perhaps, this could lead to an increase in empathy and understanding, ensuring the survival not only of humanity but also the planet we so often overlook.

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2025-01-03 03:33