Ariana Grande Remembers the Gift from Kristin Chenoweth in "Wicked"

By Jurassic JennNov 16, 2024 15:56 PMStar Facts
Share:
Kristin Chenoweth and Ariana Grande
Kristin Chenoweth and Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande reflects on a significant early encounter with Broadway’s Glinda, Kristin Chenoweth. Nearly 20 years before portraying Glinda the Good Witch in the upcoming film "Wicked," Grande, now 31, met Chenoweth backstage at a show.

The then 10-year-old Grande received "a little magical body wash" and "a little wand." "I believe it was magical because look at where we are now!" Grande tells PEOPLE. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the Wicked movies feature Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, with the second installment arriving in 2025.

Reflecting on her first experience with the musical, Grande shares her excitement from seeing the Broadway production. In 2003, she attended a performance with her grandmother and met the cast, calling them "kind" members. Grande asserts, "My chemistry as a person permanently altered," adding that she views her life in two categories: "before and after seeing Wicked."

Ariana Granda and Cynthia Erivo in 'Wicked'.
Ariana Granda and Cynthia Erivo in 'Wicked'.

However, body wash and a wand are not her only memories from this encounter. Grande humorously recalls, "Chenoweth’s dog peed on the couch, and I helped her clean it up." Jonathan Bailey, who portrays Fiyero in the new films, interjects, asking if Grande kept any traces of the body wash.

"The pee?" Grande replies with a laugh. She clarifies that she retained a different souvenir: a lip gloss from Stila’s collaboration with Wicked. "It’s probably poison since it’s so old," she says, cherishing it as a piece of extra magic.

Bailey recently shared with PEOPLE that he also has fond memories from his youth seeing Menzel as Elphaba in London. "I was a massive fan," he reveals. "The orchestration—the music—left a lasting impression."

Grande debuted on Broadway in 2008's 13 and has kept in touch with Chenoweth, particularly throughout the auditioning for Wicked. Chenoweth expressed her enthusiasm for Grande's role, praising her standout qualities: "She’s wickedly funny, a fantastic actor, and she will shine in this part."

"Wicked: Part One" hits theaters on Nov. 22, while "Part Two" is scheduled for Nov. 26, 2025. For an in-depth look at the making of Wicked, check out PEOPLE’s new special issue.

Earlier, SSP wrote that Taylor Swift expressed gratitude for TTPD support and Grammy nominations.

Top Articles
What double rainbow means in spiritual sense

Meaning of double rainbow as a spiritual sign from above

Oct 16, 2024 13:27 PM
Symbolism and meaning of crickets

Symbolism and meaning of the cricket as a spirit animal

Oct 15, 2024 13:01 PM

Meaning of the yellow butterfly. Symbolism and spiritual meaning of the encounter

Oct 15, 2024 15:05 PM

Keep seeing the number of angel 2222? Read its spiritual meaning

Oct 14, 2024 17:01 PM
More News
Three zodiac signs have a chance of meeting a helpful and kind mentor

Three zodiac signs have a chance of meeting a helpful and kind mentor

Dec 11, 2024 21:17 PM
Understanding Break-Up Dreams

Understanding Break-Up Dreams

Dec 11, 2024 20:36 PM

These zodiac signs should focus on seeking recognition for their hard work: horoscope for the end of the week

Dec 11, 2024 19:52 PM

Red Winged Blackbird Spirit Animal: What Does a Red Winged Blackbird Symbolize?

Dec 11, 2024 19:08 PM
Travis Kelce Prefers More Suitable Date Locations Over Strip Clubs

Travis Kelce Prefers More Suitable Date Locations Over Strip Clubs

Dec 11, 2024 18:15 PM
Diddy Accuser Says Alleged 2007 Assault Was ‘Abusive Beyond Belief’: ‘I Felt Powerless’

Diddy Accuser Says Alleged 2007 Assault Was ‘Abusive Beyond Belief’: ‘I Felt Powerless’

Dec 11, 2024 17:20 PM
Three zodiac signs may face challenges that will require steadier approach

Three zodiac signs may face challenges that will require steadier approach

Dec 11, 2024 17:02 PM
Kim Kardashian Starts Dating Someone New, Keeping It Low-Key

Kim Kardashian Starts Dating Someone New, Keeping It Low-Key

Dec 11, 2024 16:58 PM
Hilary Duff Shares Steak Experience for 7-Month-Old Daughter Townes

Hilary Duff Shares Steak Experience for 7-Month-Old Daughter Townes

Dec 11, 2024 16:30 PM

Gypsy Rose Blanchard Addresses Sobriety Post-Prison: Insights from Her Memoir

Dec 11, 2024 15:35 PM

Three zodiac signs will be attracted by exotic, far-flung destinations at the end of the year

Dec 11, 2024 15:35 PM
Justin Baldoni Thanks Fans for Supporting 'It Ends With Us' amid Feud Speculation

Justin Baldoni Thanks Fans for Supporting 'It Ends With Us' amid Feud Speculation

Dec 11, 2024 15:12 PM
Running Dream Meaning and Common Interpretations

Running Dream Meaning and Common Interpretations

Dec 11, 2024 14:53 PM
Lisa Kudrow Reveals Friends Cast Only Dined Together Once After Show's End

Lisa Kudrow Reveals Friends Cast Only Dined Together Once After Show's End

Dec 11, 2024 14:08 PM
Why Jamie Foxx Joked He'll No Longer Date White Women

Why Jamie Foxx Joked He'll No Longer Date White Women

Dec 11, 2024 13:47 PM

Three zodiac signs are encouraged to embrace innate curiosity: horoscope for December 11

Dec 11, 2024 13:47 PM

Lizard Spirit Animal: Symbolism and Spiritual Meanings

Dec 11, 2024 13:25 PM
Why Allan Russell Discourages Jana Kramer from Filming Sex Scenes

Why Allan Russell Discourages Jana Kramer from Filming Sex Scenes

Dec 11, 2024 13:04 PM
Luigi Mangione's Friend Discusses Dating Challenges Before Brian Thompson's Shooting

Luigi Mangione's Friend Discusses Dating Challenges Before Brian Thompson's Shooting

Dec 11, 2024 12:42 PM
These zodiac signs will excel in academic pursuits: horoscope for the end of the week

These zodiac signs will excel in academic pursuits: horoscope for the end of the week

Dec 11, 2024 12:42 PM
Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly End Their Relationship

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly End Their Relationship

Dec 11, 2024 12:23 PM
Three zodiac signs will bask in a wave of optimism: horoscope for December 11

Three zodiac signs will bask in a wave of optimism: horoscope for December 11

Dec 11, 2024 12:21 PM

Three zodiac signs to feel strongly empowered due to confidence boost

Dec 11, 2024 12:05 PM

Tina Sinatra Reacts to New AI-Generated Ad Featuring Her Dad, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg: 'Now Who the Hell Are These Guys?'

Dec 11, 2024 12:05 PM
Here Is Why Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. Ordered Pizza for Thanksgiving

Here Is Why Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. Ordered Pizza for Thanksgiving

Dec 11, 2024 11:18 AM
Three zodiac signs are encouraged to seek tranquility: horoscope for December 11

Three zodiac signs are encouraged to seek tranquility: horoscope for December 11

Dec 11, 2024 11:17 AM