Ariana Grande is opening up about the transformative experience of filming the musical adaptation Wicked and how it reignited her creativity, ultimately inspiring her to write a new album. The pop superstar shared her reflections in a recent interview on the Shut Up Evan podcast with host Evan Ross Katz.

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How Wicked Sparked Ariana Grande’s Creative Fire

Grande, 32, revealed that stepping into her role as Glinda in Wicked made her feel a “genuine spark” and a sense of reconnection with her music.

“I felt like a genuine spark, like a reconnection and inspiration and something I mean, maybe I missed it,” Grande said.

She explained that sometimes missing the act of creating music helps artists rediscover their drive:

“Maybe it’s as simple as I missed it. But I do feel like you have to miss things in order to learn how to become better, you know what I mean?”

Grande described the experience as so inspiring that she “had to” write an album, describing it as an “inspired moment” she couldn’t ignore.

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Balancing Filming and Recording

Despite the demanding reshoot schedule in January 2023, Grande did not let the rigorous filming disrupt her creative process.

“I said, great, that’s fine. I’ll finish it before then, or I’ll finish it after,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to both acting and music.

During this time, she worked on her 2024 album Eternal Sunshine, collaborating with acclaimed producers such as Max Martin and Ilya. The album went on to earn a nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards, reflecting her continued success in music.

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Returning to the Role of Glinda

Grande also discussed how returning to the role of Glinda after the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes felt seamless.

“No, it was there. There was nothing to find. It was so strange, I was like ‘Oh I wonder if this will feel weird.’ And as soon as I got there it was like, done. She was right there, it was wonderful, thank god,” Grande recalled.

Her performance, alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, continues to captivate audiences in the film adaptation, highlighting Grande’s talent for both acting and musical performance.

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Wicked: For Good and Future Releases

The first part of the Wicked film adaptation premiered in November 2024, and fans eagerly anticipate the release of Wicked: For Good, the second part, set to hit theaters on November 21, 2025. Grande’s dual commitments to music and acting demonstrate her dedication to bringing this iconic story to life while maintaining her artistry in the music industry.