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 might experience an energizing boost in visionary thinking: horoscope for December 26

Three zodiac signs might experience an energizing boost in visionary thinking: horoscope for December 26

Dec 26, 2024 14:08 PM
 Bull Spirit Animal: Meaning and Symbolism

Bull Spirit Animal: Meaning and Symbolism

Dec 26, 2024 13:25 PM

Reconnecting with Loved Ones for Three Zodiac Signs

Dec 26, 2024 12:42 PM

Three zodiac signs will deepen bonds within family on New Year's Eve

Dec 26, 2024 12:23 PM
Three zodiac signs will embrace a refreshing wave of optimism: horoscope for December 26

Three zodiac signs will embrace a refreshing wave of optimism: horoscope for December 26

Dec 26, 2024 11:38 AM
Amusement Park Dreams and Their Meanings

Amusement Park Dreams and Their Meanings

Dec 26, 2024 11:17 AM
Kaley Cuoco Celebrates Christmas with Tom Pelphrey and Daughter Matilda

Kaley Cuoco Celebrates Christmas with Tom Pelphrey and Daughter Matilda

Dec 26, 2024 11:17 AM
Beyoncé Performs ‘Cowboy Carter’ at NFL Christmas Halftime Show with Blue Ivy and Surprise Guests

Beyoncé Performs ‘Cowboy Carter’ at NFL Christmas Halftime Show with Blue Ivy and Surprise Guests

Dec 26, 2024 10:34 AM
Why You Dream About Lifeboats: Possible Interpretations

Why You Dream About Lifeboats: Possible Interpretations

Dec 26, 2024 10:15 AM

Mariah Carey Opens Christmas Day NFL Games with Holiday Performance

Dec 26, 2024 09:51 AM

Creative Inspiration Resurgence Among Key Zodiac Signs

Dec 26, 2024 09:32 AM
Riverdale's Vanessa Morgan Engaged to James Karnik

Riverdale's Vanessa Morgan Engaged to James Karnik

Dec 26, 2024 09:08 AM
Three zodiac signs may draw more attention romantically this weekend

Three zodiac signs may draw more attention romantically this weekend

Dec 26, 2024 08:27 AM
King Charles Discusses "Uncertainties and Anxieties of Illness" in Christmas Speech

King Charles Discusses "Uncertainties and Anxieties of Illness" in Christmas Speech

Dec 26, 2024 08:04 AM
Three zodiac signs are encouraged to delve into introspection: horoscope for December 26

Three zodiac signs are encouraged to delve into introspection: horoscope for December 26

Dec 26, 2024 08:04 AM

8 Spiritual Meanings of a Pelican Crossing Your Path

Dec 26, 2024 07:44 AM

Three zodiac signs will experience heightened curiosity: horoscope for December 26

Dec 26, 2024 07:03 AM
Caterpillar Spiritual Meaning

Caterpillar Spirit Animal: What Does a Caterpillar Symbolize

Dec 25, 2024 21:16 PM
A harmonious approach to problem-solving: horoscope for the end of the year

A harmonious approach to problem-solving: horoscope for the end of the year

Dec 25, 2024 20:54 PM
Three zodiac signs should be cautious of fluctuations in emotional health

Three zodiac signs should be cautious of fluctuations in emotional health

Dec 25, 2024 19:52 PM
Three zodiac signs to clearly define their perspectives and aspirations: horoscope for December 25

Three zodiac signs to clearly define their perspectives and aspirations: horoscope for December 25

Dec 25, 2024 19:09 PM
Their self-esteem may experience a transformation: horoscope for the end of year

Their self-esteem may experience a transformation: horoscope for the end of year

Dec 25, 2024 18:25 PM

Heidi Klum Celebrates Christmas with Family in Aspen, Sledding in Matching Pajamas

Dec 25, 2024 18:12 PM

Why T.J. Holmes Won't Propose to Amy Robach on Christmas Day

Dec 25, 2024 18:01 PM
Three zodiac signs will embark on a journey of self-exploration

Three zodiac signs will embark on a journey of self-exploration

Dec 25, 2024 17:21 PM
 Hallmark Star John Reardon Confirms Tonsil Cancer Diagnosis

Hallmark Star John Reardon Confirms Tonsil Cancer Diagnosis

Dec 25, 2024 16:45 PM