Ariana Grande’s recent nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars, for her role in Wicked, has created a lot of excitement from both the theater world and her fanbase. In an emotional and heartfelt moment of celebration, Grande shared her reactions with Variety after receiving the news while in London, where she had just finished a bath.
“I just got out of the bath,” she said, overwhelmed with joy. “I’m in shock. I just spoke to my mom, my best friends, and Kristin Chenoweth, and I’ve been texting Cynthia [Erivo] and Jon [M. Chu] all morning.”
Grande’s response to hearing her name called? Pure emotion.
“I sobbed. I actually haven’t stopped sobbing since then. It’s been really overwhelming,” she admitted.
The nomination is especially meaningful, given that her co-star Bowen Yang had the honor of announcing her name.
“It felt like home,” Grande said of Yang, who is one of her closest friends. “He texted me right before wishing me luck, and a week ago he said, ‘I can’t wait to hopefully utter your name.’”
What makes this nomination even more special for Grande is that she shares it with Cynthia Erivo, who was also nominated.
“It feels like such a magnificent celebration of this hard work that we were able to do together,” Grande shared, reflecting on the camaraderie they share. “It feels like we were passed the wand and broom by Kristin and Idina Menzel,” she added, acknowledging the legacy of the Wicked stars and the generations of talent that came before them.
Grande’s portrayal of Glinda in Wicked has been one of the most anticipated performances in recent years. She plays the iconic role of the Good Witch in the film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. Glinda, originally portrayed by Kristin Chenoweth on stage, is known for her bubbly personality, charm, and magical powers. Ariana’s casting was met with much excitement, as she brings her powerful voice and undeniable stage presence to the character.
In the story, Glinda is a central figure—a popular and well-loved witch who contrasts sharply with Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo). While Glinda’s personality might initially seem light and carefree, her journey in Wicked is one of significant personal growth. Ariana has spoken about how deeply she connected with the character’s emotional depth, noting how her portrayal strikes a balance between the comedic and the heartfelt, blending Glinda’s sweetness with a more complex vulnerability.
Ariana’s powerful vocals are undoubtedly a standout in her performance, as she delivers some of the musical’s most iconic songs, including “Popular” and “Thank Goodness.” With her background in musical theater and pop, Ariana is a natural fit for the role, and fans are eager to see how she brings her own unique energy to Glinda.
This role represents a huge milestone in Ariana’s career, combining her music and acting talents in a way that shows her growth as an artist. Her Best Supporting Actress nomination is proof of the impact she’s had with her portrayal, capturing the essence of Glinda’s lightheartedness while also exploring her emotional depth. As Wicked continues to receive critical attention, Ariana’s performance has quickly become one of the most talked-about of the year.
When asked whether this Oscar nomination tops her previous Grammy recognition, Grande couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’m burying my head in my tissue box,” she joked. “Next question.”
Despite Wicked receiving 10 nominations in total, many have questioned why director Jon M. Chu was left off the Best Director shortlist. For Grande, however, the absence of his name in that category is a non-issue.
“All of the other nominations stem from Jon,” she explained. “I know he feels like seeing Wicked be celebrated is a celebration of him as well.”
As for who she’ll bring to the Oscars ceremony, Grande has yet to make a decision. But one thing is certain: “I need a table for 40 Italians from Boca,” she laughed. “How do we work that out?”
For Ariana Grande, this first Oscar nomination marks a historic moment in her career. She’s savoring every second of it, surrounded by love and support from her co-stars, friends, and family.