Ariana Grande: The Girl Behind the Glinda Mask

Apologetically, Ariana Grande expresses regret as tears start forming in her eyes. She’s apologizing for crying once more, but here we are during a late January afternoon, and she is crying again.”

Ariana Grande apologizes tearfully for crying again, even though it’s already late January and here she is, shedding tears once more.

Grande repeatedly apologizes, understanding the countless tears that have fallen and later become memes during the production and promotion of the $700 million blockbuster film Wicked, which is based on the Broadway show, itself an adaptation of a novel with the same name.”

This version aims to maintain the original’s meaning while making it more natural and easier to read.

However, in truth, Grande has been on the verge of tears for several weeks, starting with the January 23rd news that she’s been nominated for an Oscar. This recognition, her first starring role nomination in a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, is one of ten nominations, has left her feeling both welcomed and validated by a community she had admired from a distance until quite recently.

She expresses, masked below her chin and a shade of Glinda pink, as she battles a stubborn cold from the relentless awards circuit, “It’s a wonderful sensation to believe that the work I’ve done or am doing is… sufficient, impactful, or something like that.” She continues, “The realization that people are truly seeing me – not just the public figure, but the real me – it seems ridiculous given how long I’ve been in the spotlight, yet it feels like a fresh, unique experience.

It might seem bewildering for someone who’s been publicly known as herself for over a decade to find out that Ariana Grande has garnered 18 Grammy nominations, 9 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits, and 376 million Instagram followers. However, the iconic high ponytail she always sports or the oversized sweatshirts and towering boots that characterize her petite figure – these aren’t truly her, she claims, any more than Dorothy’s character Glinda is her own identity.

At some point, the portrayal of the [pop star] persona becomes tiresome, she explains, while sipping tea and taking cough drops at Chateau Marmont. “There are elements of yourself and your experiences that are interwoven in your songwriting,” she continues, “but due to its widespread fame and sensationalization, it can lose touch with reality. Beneath the glitz lies a girl from Boca Raton who appreciates art deeply, and I believe that’s why immersing myself in this character has been such a profound healing process – to shed one persona and adopt another.

Glinda, like Grande, appears polished and popular on the surface, but both characters have deep emotional wounds hidden beneath. Right from the start of casting, director Jon M. Chu and Glinda began to explore these similarities. During this process, Chu revealed that Glinda discussed her own life experiences, playing a character similar to Grande, as well as growing up and dealing with tragedy at the same time. This period in Grande’s life was particularly dark, starting in 2017 when a suicide bomber attacked her Dangerous Woman Tour stop in Manchester, killing 22 fans and injuring many more. The following year, her close friend, collaborator, and former boyfriend, rapper Mac Miller, died from an accidental overdose at the age of 26.

He goes on to discuss how she’s always had to perform on stage and bring joy to people, a task he acknowledges can be challenging. This is where it all began, the foundation for the character of Glinda. While we weren’t telling Ariana Grande‘s story, this character resided in the same garden.

***

The part wasn’t a breeze or a walkover; on the contrary, Grande had to audition three times for producer Marc Platt and Chu. These film professionals were hesitant about casting a worldwide pop sensation who hadn’t acted in a movie before. Despite this role demanding a perfect blend of humor and vulnerability, Grande was asked to shed her pop star image after the initial audition. Therefore, when she returned for the second audition, she appeared without makeup, no winged eyeliner, no high ponytail.

People who didn’t comprehend might remark, ‘That’s just foolish, they recognize your skill, don’t they?’ but Grande replied, ‘That’s sweet, yet Glinda demands so much. I need to earn it and I won’t accept it unless I’ve earned it.’ This entire promotional tour has showcased a sincerity that defines her, and she added, ‘Gosh, I adore this person beneath all the glitz. I love the real me beneath the mask.’

However, Chu’s doubts weren’t unfounded. At the time, Grande’s main Hollywood credentials were a brief stint in the Broadway musical “13” and later as the quirky character Cat Valentine on the popular Nickelodeon comedy “Victorious” and its spinoff, “Sam & Cat.” More recently, she had focused primarily on music, with occasional appearances on “Saturday Night Live” where she demonstrated her comedic skills and spot-on impressions (her Jennifer Coolidge impression is worth looking up). The only acting project that could have drawn her back was the role in “Wicked,” which she frequently expressed strong interest in.

For approximately ten years, Ariana Grande persistently pursued me,” shares Platt, who previously worked as a producer for the Broadway adaptation. “In her endearing manner, she would often request to meet with me whenever there was talk of a potential film project.” There are numerous interviews available online where Grande expressed her admiration for Wicked, a role she had aspired to since seeing it on Broadway at age 10. She even mentioned this role as both a personal interest and a top priority when she signed with talent agency CAA in 2011, at the age of 18.

As the formal audition process approached, Ariana Grande sought assistance from esteemed acting coach Nancy Banks, known for coaching stars like Margot Robbie, Jennifer Aniston, and Forest Whitaker. With no script in sight, Banks provided Grande with an intensive acting education, assigning her various monologues from different productions. “Three times a week, two hours a day for months, she stayed focused and moved from a vocal class [with Eric Vetro] to me,” said Banks, impressed by Grande’s dedication. “The truly exceptional ones put in the hard work… but Grande persisted until I was thoroughly convinced – and I use that term affectionately.

At a particular stage, Ariana became deeply involved in the selection process that she started offering suggestions to those vying for the role. She doesn’t mention specific names, but Reneé Rapp, Amanda Seyfried, and Dove Cameron were among the contenders. Ariana admits to having frequent conversations with numerous individuals auditioning for either Elphaba or Glinda, sharing her song selections, schedule, and even rehearsal time at Vetro’s home studio. When I hint that this behavior might be slightly unusual, she laughs it off. Her mother, an engineer and CEO of a marine communications company, reacted similarly: “She was like, ‘What? You went to Eric’s house with who?'” said Ariana. “I replied, ‘Why not?'” her mother responded, shocked, “My God, Ariana!” (It should be noted that Ariana is now focusing on setting boundaries.)

However, towards the end of 2021, it was Ariana Grande who eventually secured the role. A video of Chu announcing this news has since circulated widely online. “I adore her so much,” Grande expresses about Glinda, with tears streaming down her face. “I’m going to look after her so well.” Shortly afterward, Grande moved to London, where parts one and two were filmed consecutively over a period of 1.5 years. For the entire duration, she dedicated herself entirely — no singing, no songwriting, no touring. This singular focus continues to astonish Chu: “Imagine the amount of money she must be foregoing by playing Glinda,” he says.

The sequel to “Wicked”, titled “Wicked: For Good“, is set to premiere in theaters in November. Without delving into spoilers, Grande reveals that the second part is significantly darker than the first. “I’m still recovering,” says Grande. She and her co-star Cynthia Erivo, playing Elphaba and Glinda respectively, will embark on another press tour, a seemingly impossible feat considering the length, emotional intensity, and virality of this one. Throughout the tour, the actresses have been coordinating their character-specific wardrobes, often finding themselves emotionally overwhelmed at each stop, with many instances of them holding hands and shedding tears. As fans speculate that they might be secretly married, Grande jokes, “I wish I could unsee some things.” She also shares her feelings about the fan fiction and art dedicated to a sapphic pairing of Elphaba and Glinda, known as “the Gelphie stuff”: “I had a feeling, but I didn’t know it would be on this scale or this graphic.

***

Don’t let Grande’s pop stardom fool you; at her core, she is and always has been a theater nerd.

Raised in Boca Raton, Florida, Ariana Grande’s father was the family artist, a painter, photographer, and graphic designer. However, it was her mother, Joan Grande, a Barnard-educated businesswoman with a knack for the macabre, who nurtured their creative pursuits when they were young. For instance, Ariana’s second or third birthday had a Jaws theme, and she often spent her childhood dressed up as Jason. As Grande recalls, “On Thursdays in July, my family would paint our faces, and when my father came home from work, we’d be skeletons, and he’d be surprised, but then he’d just say ‘Hello, honey.'” In reality, her father might not have reacted that way. Instead, he probably would have greeted them casually with a “Hi, honey.

They first met when they were around 6 or 7 years old, collaborating on local children’s theater productions. Aaron Simon Gross recounted, “She was exceptionally talented at everything.” He fondly recalled Grande rehearsing tirelessly for a production of “Give My Regards to Broadway“. “One day,” he continued, “we were both sitting on her couch, engrossed in Julie Andrews Victor/Victoria videos. I believe we both felt, living in South Florida, that we had found our kindred spirit.

Every so often, my family and I would jet off to New York City for a Broadway extravaganza. Back home, school assignments became our chance to create mini-plays. I remember one science project about mitochondria where we wrote and starred in a short film, and at least one history assignment that was transformed into a Broadway spectacle. Eventually, my brother and I made it big on Broadway ourselves, starring in Jason Robert Brown’s hit musical 13. On our free days, when I was just 14 years old, my buddy and I would roam Manhattan, taking in as many shows as we could. Even after I became a globally recognized pop sensation, I’d visit her on tour, and we’d catch a performance of Rent right on the tour bus.

Grande expresses that she had always imagined herself being a permanent fixture on Broadway. Her vision was spending her days in New York City, performing in multiple shows each week, while also finding time for her musical pursuits, with the hope that others would appreciate her music.

Instead, she was portrayed as a charming airhead in Nickelodeon’s Victorious, an unexpected turn of events that catapulted her into teenage heartthrob status. She has openly discussed her reflection on her time on the Dan Schneider comedy following the accusations of sexual harassment and poor workplace conditions made by other former child stars in the 2024 documentary series Quiet on Set. Despite having fond memories from that era, she admitted to feeling “surprised” upon revisiting old footage due to the prevalence of sexual undertones.

Have you ever felt not completely secure?” I inquire, causing a brief instance where Grande seems uneasy – the first such occurrence during our almost two-hour interaction.

She mentions some ideas regarding precautions that should possibly be implemented, without directly answering the question.

“Therapy?” I ask.

She expresses her aspirations for a world where, as a prerequisite for entering the entertainment industry, mental health care and support systems would be mandated in contracts with record labels or production companies. This, she believes, would provide protection from the intense emotional pressures that come with success, as there’s no instruction manual to navigate the complexities of love and hate encountered in the limelight.

Ariana Grande might have benefited from some guidance when her music career took off, starting with her debut single “The Way” in 2013. This song marked a shift from the sweet image she had created on Nickelodeon and went on to secure one of many top 10 entries on the Hot 100. From there, she released hit after hit, eventually earning the title of Spotify’s most streamed female artist of the 2010s. Lately, Billboard has placed Grande, who writes and produces her own music, high on its list of the top pop stars of the 21st century, acknowledging that “her current status as a true icon is not so much a result of the effectiveness of established systems that propelled her success, but more a tribute to her enduring, generational talent.” Rolling Stone has also been very complimentary, commending her whistle tone that is reminiscent of Mariah Carey’s at her best. However, the intense focus of attention that came with all this success was quite overwhelming.

Grande expresses gratitude for having amazing friends, family, and a fantastic therapist, despite past gossip about her therapist leaving her, referring to an old scandal from the tabloids. She had a tumultuous period; her primary desire was to sing and focus on her work, but as her music gained popularity, it seemed like more people were trying to undermine her.

The intense backlash against Ariana Grande arguably reached its peak in 2015 when a leaked security video showed the then-22-year-old singer licking an unpurchased doughnut, followed by comments expressing dislike for America. (Later, she offered a heartfelt apology and clarified that her remark was about America’s obesity issue; in 2016, while hosting SNL, she humorously referenced the controversy: “Many child stars end up doing drugs, or in jail, or pregnant, or caught eating something they didn’t pay for.”) There were also absurd rumors that Grande demanded to be carried like a baby and only photographed from her left side. An unconfirmed list of off-limits interview topics, including current and former boyfriends, circulated as well. Then, the tragedy in Manchester occurred, making all of it seem trivial. Grande stated that she transformed from being labeled a “diva” to a victim and hero almost instantly.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at Ariana Grande’s resilience and compassion, especially after the heart-wrenching Manchester Arena bombing at just 23. Despite being emotionally devastated, she courageously returned to Manchester two weeks later to meet with grieving families. In partnership with her manager Scooter Braun, she organized a benefit concert that astoundingly raised $25 million for the victims and their families. She managed to gather an incredible lineup, including Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and Coldplay. However, it was Ariana’s performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” sung through tears, that left an indelible mark. Since then, Ariana, who has openly discussed her struggle with PTSD from this event, has become a powerful advocate for gun control, as well as other important causes such as LGBTQ rights.

Despite an overwhelming amount of praise currently directed towards Ariana Grande, she occasionally encounters criticism, ranging from comments about her looks, voice, or personal life. This includes her relationships, which have been a frequent topic in gossip magazines. To remind you, many of Grande’s former partners, including rapper Big Sean and Saturday Night Live alum Pete Davidson, were referenced in her popular song “thank u, next.” More recently, on the track “yes, and?”, she seems to address the constant attention, asking: “Why does it matter who I date?” This is thought to be a response to her current relationship with Ethan Slater, a co-star from Wicked, as she questions the public’s interest. However, Grande finds no benefit in explaining her lyrics. The tabloid portrayal of their romance suggests that he left his wife and child for her, but both Grande and others have refuted this narrative, with Grande stating in an interview with Vanity Fair last fall: “This couldn’t be further from the truth about a person.” (It’s worth noting that Grande was also married; however, she and real estate broker Dalton Gomez were already separated when rumors of a new relationship began.)

Over time, Grande has expressed feeling less inclined to justify her actions and decisions, though she acknowledges that false rumors and misinformation still affect her. “It will always hurt,” she admits, “But also, I understand that I’m an artist on a chosen path, so I strive to safeguard myself to ensure I never develop resentment towards my art.

***

In the future, acting is where Ariana Grande expresses her passion and devotion will lie, though this may displease her music fans who have been eagerly anticipating the tour for her 2024 album, “Eternal Sunshine”, which hasn’t materialized. However, to those who witnessed Grande and Cynthia Erivo on their last day of filming, it comes as no surprise. As Platt put it, “You may have noticed both of these women can shed tears readily. Multiply that by a thousand, and that gives you the volume of tears shed on our final day.

Grande doesn’t argue with that assessment. “It was wild,” she says. “It felt like a death.”

Moving forward, she acknowledges that the essence and influence of Wicked will likely be hard to duplicate, so she’s determined not to attempt it. “It leaves you yearning for something novel,” she notes, but exactly what form that might take remains unclear.

Currently, there’s a lot of buzz surrounding Grande, who demonstrated her versatility in both comedy and drama with her portrayal of Glinda. Various projects, including a chaotic wedding comedy, a detective series featuring women in a reality TV-like setting reminiscent of “Housewives”, and a potential sequel to “Spaceballs” have been mentioned as offers she’s received. However, everyone seems to agree that she hasn’t made any decisions about these projects yet.

Grande admits she can’t verify or contradict, but her words are backed up by a faint blush that peeks through the pink mask she wears. She continues more sincerely: ‘I strongly believe in maintaining a strong connection to the raw creative spirit within me, the one that yearns to pour itself into something exciting and challenging. When that sensation strikes, I recognize it.’

In the interim, we have another performance of Wicked to share with everyone, which naturally means there are still more emotional moments ahead.

You can find this tale in the February 12 edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To stay updated, consider subscribing.

2025-02-11 17:27

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