Ariana Grande Reassures Fans: Singing Continues Amidst “Wicked” Filming and New Horizons
The recent TikTok video from global superstar Ariana Grande created a significant buzz among her devoted fanbase, serving as a much-needed reassurance that her vocal artistry is as vibrant as ever. For more than two years, the absence of new musical releases from the Grammy-winning artist had led to growing anticipation and a touch of anxiety among Arianators. This captivating social media post directly addressed the swirling speculation about her musical future, delivering a melodic balm to her millions of followers.
In the viral TikTok video, Ariana Grande effortlessly belted out a pristine, flawless rendition of the iconic “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” This wasn’t just a casual cover; it was a powerful statement, a vocal reminder of the extraordinary talent that first captivated millions and catapulted her to superstardom. Accompanying this breathtaking performance, Ariana directly clarified the primary reason for her musical hiatus: an immersive and demanding commitment to filming the highly anticipated Wicked movie adaptation. She emphasized that this monumental cinematic project, set to unfold in two parts on Christmas Day in 2024 and 2025, has consumed her time entirely. Her explanation provided a clear, direct answer to the burning question of why new music hasn’t been on the immediate horizon, signaling a temporary but understandable shift in her artistic focus.
@arianagrande wanted to sing you a little something but don’t want to sing anything that is not “Ozian” at the moment 🙂 keeping to my little bubble for now … done with lots of love.
♬ original sound – arianagrande
The caption accompanying Ariana’s viral TikTok offered deeper insight into her current artistic mindset. “Wanted to sing you a little something but don’t want to sing anything that is not “Ozian” at the moment :),” she wrote, alluding to her deep immersion in the magical world of Oz. This dedication to her character, Glinda, and the Wicked universe is evidently paramount. She continued, “Keeping my little bubble for now…done with lots of love.” This phrase beautifully encapsulates her commitment to the role, suggesting a focused isolation necessary for embodying such an iconic character. She further elaborated on the intensity of her schedule, stating she has been “filming two musical movies all day every day.” The candid glimpse into her life also included a detail about filming the video “mid getting ready” while strategically “hiding” her character’s blonde hair – a clear visual indication of her transformation into Glinda, the Good Witch. This level of dedication illustrates the rigorous demands of bringing such a beloved musical to the silver screen, requiring actors to fully inhabit their roles, both on and off set.
Ariana Grande’s decision to sing “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” was not merely coincidental; it was a deliberate and symbolic choice. The song, synonymous with The Wizard of Oz, the spiritual predecessor to Wicked, perfectly aligns with her current “Ozian” state of mind. It’s a timeless classic, celebrated for its emotional depth and vocal challenge, allowing Grande to showcase her unparalleled vocal range and ethereal tone without veering outside the thematic realm of her current project. For fans who’ve missed her powerful mezzo-soprano voice, this rendition was a poignant reminder of her artistry, demonstrating that while her focus has shifted, her vocal abilities remain as magnificent as ever. Her illustrious career, marked by chart-topping hits, record-breaking albums, and a distinct vocal style that blends R&B, pop, and dance influences, has always been defined by her exceptional singing. From early Broadway roles to global superstardom, music has been her primary medium, making any extended break a significant talking point among her admirers. The TikTok performance effectively bridged this gap, assuring everyone that the singer within Ariana Grande is still very much alive and thriving, merely channeling her creative energy into a different, albeit related, artistic endeavor.
The announcement in November 2021 that Ariana Grande would portray Glinda in the highly anticipated Wicked movie sent shockwaves of excitement through Hollywood and the musical theatre world. Her casting alongside the phenomenal Cynthia Erivo, who takes on the challenging role of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, promised a dynamic and vocally powerful duo. This pairing, helmed by visionary director Jon M. Chu (known for Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights), instantly elevated expectations for the film adaptation of the beloved Broadway smash. Beyond her intensive acting and singing commitments for Wicked, Ariana is also diligently managing her successful beauty brand, r.e.m. beauty. This venture, launched in 2021, underscores her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to diversify her career portfolio. While she has offered glimpses into the arduous behind-the-scenes of filming Wicked, these have primarily been candid shots of herself and Cynthia in rehearsals, hinting at the immense collaborative effort involved. The decision to split the movie into two parts speaks volumes about the depth and complexity of the source material, ensuring that every nuance of the cherished story is meticulously brought to life, requiring an extraordinary amount of dedication and time from the entire cast and crew.
The creative decision to divide the Wicked film adaptation into two distinct parts was a topic of much discussion, and songwriter Stephen A. Schwartz, the musical’s original composer and lyricist, provided a compelling explanation. As reported by Variety in June 2022, Schwartz shared in a fan newsletter that the iconic, show-stopping song “Defying Gravity” was the pivotal factor in this choice. He elaborated, “We found it very difficult to get past ‘Defying Gravity’ without a break.” The power and dramatic conclusion of this anthem are so immense that “The song is written specifically to bring a curtain down, and whatever scene to follow it without a break just seemed hugely anti-climactic.” This insight highlights the profound respect the filmmakers have for the source material and its theatrical structure. Schwartz further emphasized that attempting to condense the entire narrative into a single, albeit very long, movie would have necessitated “cutting or omitting things that we wanted to include and that we think fans of the show and story will appreciate.” This commitment to preserving the integrity and richness of the original story, ensuring that loyal fans experience the full breadth of Oz, is a testament to the production’s ambition and dedication. It allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the characters’ journeys, the intricate political landscape of Oz, and the themes of friendship, prejudice, and destiny that define Wicked.
The cast for Wicked is truly star-studded, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience. Alongside Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the film boasts a formidable ensemble of acclaimed talents. Jonathan Bailey, celebrated for his role in Bridgerton, takes on the charming Fiyero. Ethan Slater, known for his Broadway work, steps into the role of Boq. The legendary Jeff Goldblum brings his unique charisma to the Wizard of Oz, while the illustrious Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh embodies the formidable Madame Morrible. Each casting choice has been met with enthusiasm, promising performances that will honor the beloved characters while bringing fresh perspectives. The synergy among these accomplished actors, guided by director Jon M. Chu, is expected to create a magical and emotionally resonant adaptation that will captivate both long-time fans of the musical and a new generation of viewers. The sheer talent assembled for this production further underscores the scale and importance of Wicked as a major cinematic event, heightening anticipation for its grand release.
Ariana Grande’s recent TikTok video was more than just a casual update; it was a heartfelt reaffirmation of her identity as a singer and an open, honest communication with her fanbase. Her deep dive into the “Ozian” world for Wicked represents a significant chapter in her evolving career, showcasing her versatility as an artist willing to embrace challenging acting roles without abandoning her musical roots. The immense production scale, the meticulous attention to the original story through the two-part film structure, and the stellar cast all point towards a cinematic masterpiece in the making. While fans eagerly await the releases of Wicked in 2024 and 2025, they can take comfort in knowing that Ariana Grande’s voice, whether through an iconic cover or future original releases, will continue to enchant. Her dedication to her craft, whether on a recording stage or a movie set, remains unwavering, ensuring that her impact on pop culture, music, and now cinema, will only continue to grow. The journey through Oz is clearly a demanding one, but it’s also a testament to Ariana’s commitment to pushing her artistic boundaries and delighting her global audience with her multifaceted talents.