The “Villainous” Composer Aimed to Transform Glinda’s Songs with a Hip-Hop Twist, but Ariana Grande Objected

Ariana Grande’s Role in Wicked

Ariana Grande shared that she influenced Wicked, specifically the composer’s attempts to infuse more hip-hop elements into Glinda’s songs.

• READ MORE: “Evil” review: a hit musical makes a gravitational rushing jump on a large screen

Musical Adaptations and Character Integrity

The blockbuster serves as the first of two parts for the film adaptation of the musical and effectively utilizes the original songs by Stephen Schwartz.

In a recent interview with Indiewire, Grande, nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars for her portrayal of Galinda/Glinda, discussed how Schwartz suggested changing songs like “Popular” to better align with her musical style.

“I was concerned, but it was met with such mutual love and respect,” Grande reflected on his proposal. “I held out my hand with love and said: ‘I do not think this is very character. I just don’t think this is a rhythmic landscape of Galinda. You know, she claps on one and three. So there is no way.’”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VJTSWQYHDA

“When it comes to the score and actual singing, I don’t want to rush through for the sake of simple execution. I aim to be very intentional with the vocal choices I make as Galinda, as they should be emotionally connected to something,” she added. “There is a pop version of ‘Popular’ that could exist, but I opposed this idea because I don’t believe it serves the character or the story.”

Schwartz previously commented on Grande’s reaction to the proposed changes. “In the spirit of being open to new things for the film, my musical team and I thought, let’s refresh the rhythm,” he shared with Los Angeles Times last year. “Come on, maybe a little hip-hop? Ariana was firm: ‘Absolutely not, do not do it. I want to be Glinda, not Ariana Grande playing Glinda.’”

Grande actively worked on perfecting her vocal delivery for the film, including adopting a lighter and higher tone, which she believes can be maintained. “I think it may stay,” she noted regarding the differences. “Galinda needed a lot of vocal work for me. Certain aspects may not remain. Some will, but I’m really grateful for the elements that will stay with us forever. What a beautiful thing to endure and feel the essence of every day.”

In a four-star review of Wicked, Nick Levin wrote for NME: “Wicked wavers a bit mid-way, but it doesn’t detract from the dramatic climax where Elphaba and Glinda travel to Oz to meet the legendary wizard (Jeff Goldblum). He and Yeoh charm with their brief musical numbers, but Erivo and Grande are both extraordinary.”

The second film, Evil: Forever, is set to release on November 21 of this year, featuring a new original song composed by Schwartz in collaboration with fellow lead star Cynthia Erivo.