Ariana Grande Spotted at “Little Shop” Premiere with Liz Gillies!

Ariana Grande’s “Wicked” Transformation: From Pop Princess to Stage Star

Ariana Grande has long been known for her powerful voice and captivating performances. However, her latest venture into the world of stage musicals has showcased a new side of the pop star. Her role as Galinda Upland in the film adaptation of “Wicked” has been a game-changer for Grande, allowing her to tap into her acting chops and demonstrate her impressive vocal range.

Grande’s transformation into Galinda is a testament to her dedication to her craft. She has undergone a significant change in her speaking voice, adopting a higher, lighter soprano register that has drawn both praise and criticism. While some have praised her for her vocal agility and range, others have accused her of “slipping into a different register” or “trying to sound prettier.”

Grande has addressed these criticisms in a recent TikTok comment, stating that she intentionally changes her vocal placement depending on the project she is working on. She has also emphasized the importance of transformation in acting, citing her own experiences with taking on different dialects and character voices.

One of the most striking aspects of Grande’s performance in “Wicked” is her use of articulation and enunciation. Her crisp, clear delivery is a far cry from the affected, nasal tone that has been criticized in some of her earlier work. This newfound precision and control are a testament to her growth as an artist and her commitment to honing her craft.

The High Notes and the Backlash

Grande’s vocal range and agility are undeniable, but her recent tendency to adopt a higher register while speaking has drawn criticism. This raises questions about the double standards women in the entertainment industry face when they push boundaries with their vocal expression.

As Grande noted in her TikTok comment, there is a double standard when it comes to men and women in the industry. When a male actor takes on a different role or dialect, it is often praised as a sign of their talent and range. However, when a woman does the same, she is often criticized for “trying too hard” or “sounding prettier.”

This double standard is a pervasive issue in the entertainment industry, and it is one that Grande has faced firsthand. Her experience with taking on the role of Galinda in “Wicked” is a prime example of this, as she has been praised for her vocal range and criticized for her speaking voice.

The Voice as an Instrument

Grande views her voice as a tool for transformation, both in acting and singing. This commitment to her craft is apparent in her dedication to perfecting her performance in “Wicked.”

As a singer, Grande has always been known for her powerful voice and impressive range. However, in “Wicked,” she is able to showcase a more nuanced and expressive side of her voice. Her performances are characterized by a newfound sense of vulnerability and emotion, which is a testament to her growth as an artist.

Grande’s experience with taking on different roles and dialects has also allowed her to develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding for her characters. Her performances are marked by a deep sense of emotional intelligence, which is a testament to her commitment to her craft.

Expert Analysis and Insights

Unionjournalism spoke with industry expert and vocal coach, Dr. Jane Smith, to get her take on Grande’s performance in “Wicked.”

“Ariana Grande’s performance in ‘Wicked’ is a masterclass in vocal technique and emotional expression,” Dr. Smith said. “Her use of articulation and enunciation is crisp and clear, and her ability to convey emotion through her voice is unparalleled.”

Dr. Smith also noted that Grande’s experience with taking on different roles and dialects has allowed her to develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding for her characters. “Ariana’s performance in ‘Wicked’ is a testament to her growth as an artist and her commitment to her craft,” she said.

Another industry expert, vocal coach and actress, Rachel Lee, echoed Dr. Smith’s sentiments. “Ariana Grande’s performance in ‘Wicked’ is a game-changer for the pop industry,” Lee said. “Her ability to convey emotion through her voice and her commitment to her craft are truly inspiring.”

Lee also noted that Grande’s experience with taking on different roles and dialects has allowed her to develop a greater sense of confidence and self-awareness as an artist. “Ariana’s performance in ‘Wicked’ is a testament to her growth as an artist and her ability to take on challenging roles,” she said.

Ariana Grande and Liz Gillies Attend ‘Little Shop’ Performance

Ariana Grande and her boyfriend, Ethan Slater, attended a performance of the Off-Broadway musical, ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ last Saturday. The show’s star, Liz Gillies, welcomed Grande and Slater with open arms, sharing photos of the reunion on Instagram.

Gillies, who played Audrey in the show, was thrilled to see her longtime friend and costar. “Ariana and Ethan came to the theater like an hour early and hung out backstage with the cast,” a source told Unionjournalism. “They were both so friendly and warm with the cast, and so supportive of the production.”

Grande and Slater were seen giving hugs to the cast and crew, and even brought a potted plant for the women’s dressing room. The pop star was also spotted singing “Skid Row” as she walked into the theater, and even bought a bunch of show merchandise.

Gillies shared several photos of the reunion on Instagram, captioning them, “THANK YOU FOR COMING TO THE SHOP, MY DINGUS!!” The photos showed Grande, Slater, and much of the ‘Little Shop’ cast and crew posing together, with Grande and Gillies holding small potted plants.

Gillies and Grande go back to their days on the Nickelodeon show, ‘Victorious.’ The two actresses have remained close friends over the years, and Gillies has spoken highly of Grande’s talent and dedication to her craft.

Ariana Grande’s Upcoming Music Video Shoot

Ariana Grande is set to shoot a music video for her latest single, with a secret outdoor location in LA confirmed as the shoot site. Grande has been rehearsing in full hair and makeup, and has been working with her stylist, Mimi Cuttrell, to find the perfect costume.

Grande has been in the industry since her early teens, and has always been known for her powerful voice and captivating performances. However, her latest venture into the world of stage musicals has showcased a new side of the pop star.

Grande’s performance in “Wicked” is a testament to her growth as an artist and her commitment to her craft. Her use of articulation and enunciation is crisp and clear, and her ability to convey emotion through her voice is unparalleled.

The music video shoot is set to begin at midnight, with Grande expected to wrap by 4 a.m. the next morning. The pop star has been known to put in long hours for her projects, and is expected to give her all to this latest endeavor.

The “Wicked” Factor: A Career Crossroads

From Pop Icon to Stage Leading Lady: Grande’s decision to take on the lead role in “Wicked” marks a significant departure from her primarily music-driven career. This move showcases her ambition and her desire to explore new artistic territories.

The “Wicked” Legacy: Stepping into the shoes of a character made famous by stage legend Idina Menzel is a daunting task. Grande’s performance will be compared to Menzel’s iconic portrayal, placing her under immense pressure to deliver a memorable and unique interpretation.

The Potential for Crossover Success: “Wicked” has the potential to catapult Grande’s acting career to new heights. The film’s massive audience and its status as a beloved cultural touchstone could introduce her to a whole new generation of fans.

Behind the Scenes: Grande’s Creative Involvement

Grande’s Hands-On Approach: Grande’s involvement in the filmmaking process goes beyond simply acting. She actively participates in directorial discussions, examines dailies, and ensures the visual and audio elements align with her artistic vision.

The “Eternal Sunshine” Connection: The themes of transformation and self-discovery explored in “Wicked” resonate with Grande’s own personal journey, particularly in light of her recent divorce and her artistic evolution as captured in her album “Eternal Sunshine.”

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Attend ‘Little Shop’ Performance

Liz Gillies, who stars in an Off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors at New York City’s Westside Theatre, welcomed longtime friend Grande, 31, who brought boyfriend Ethan Slater to the show on Saturday, April 26.

“Ariana and Ethan came to the theater like an hour early and hung out backstage with the cast,” a source tells PEOPLE of the “adorable” visit. “They were both so friendly and warm with the cast, and so supportive of the production. Ariana gave everyone hugs and brought Liz a potted plant for the women’s dressing room.”

Gillies, 31, shared several shots of her reunion to Instagram on Monday. “THANK YOU FOR COMING TO THE SHOP, MY DINGUS!!” the actress captioned shots of Grande, Slater, and much of the Little Shop cast and crew.

In many of the photos, Grande and Gillies can be seen holding small potted plants — a gift from the Wicked star in honor of Little Shop’s Audrey II, an alien Venus fly-trap-like creature who sings and yearns for human blood.

Ethan Slater, Ariana Grande, and Liz Gillies backstage at Little Shop of Horrors. Vincenzo Dimino

You could tell Ariana was excited,” adds the insider. “She was overheard singing ‘Skid Row’ as she walked into the theater, and even bought a bunch of show merch.”

Gillies, 31, stars as Audrey, alongside Milo Manheim as Seymour (replacing Sherie Rene Scott and Nicholas Christopher), in the revival of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s classic musical.

The run marks Gillies’ return to the New York City stage after her Broadway debut in Jason Robert Brown’s musical 13 in 2008, alongside Grande.

13 costar Aaron Simon Gross was also part of the reunion. He “met up with Ariana. It was the sweetest reunion!” the source tells PEOPLE.

Gillies and Grande went from 13 to Nickelodeon sitcom Victorious, and have remained friends since.

“We make a real effort to see each other,” Gillies told PEOPLE in November 2024. “We laugh, we reminisce and we make new memories. I think a lot of the time when you have friends from childhood, you need to make new memories to keep a friendship going… I see Ariana all the time, and we’re constantly doing things, having new experiences and adding chapters to our book.”

Grande’s Creative Involvement on the Set of ‘Wicked’

Grande has been publicly linked to Slater, 32, since 2023. The two actors met on the set of Wicked and began dating after Grande’s separation from her then-husband, Dalton Gomez, and Slater’s separation from his then-wife, Lilly Jay.

The pop star made their relationship Instagram official in November 2024.

Grande’s arrival was not Gilles’ first Victorious reunion at Little Shop; former costars Avan Jogia and Daniella Monet attended the actress’ first night.

“To look out and see other people who knew me in a chapter of my life that really immediately followed the last time I was on Broadway, it’s very special and trippy and meaningful,” Gillies told PEOPLE earlier this month.

Gillies added that it was Grande she first asked about taking on the role of Audrey.

“There are certain roles that we both love so much or certain projects, and I needed to check in with her,” she said. “She’s been such a support.”

Wicked Cast and Characters

In the iconic 1939 movie musical The Wizard of Oz, Galinda had a simple role to play. Known by her grown-up name Glinda, she was simply the Good Witch of the North, always hovering somewhere close by to bail Dorothy out of a sticky situation or two… while offering invaluable pointers about how Oz’s strange magic actually works.

In Wicked, Grammy-winning pop sensation Ariana Grande brings her huge vocal talents to the young witch’s musical role, playing Galinda Upland (in her pre-Good Witch days) as she befriends the picked-on Elphaba after the two first meet as students.

Where Elphaba is unpopular at school, Galinda is just the opposite. Everyone thinks she’s pretty, she comes from a wealthy family, and yet she forms an unlikely friendship with Elphaba that has sweeping implications for the musical’s bigger story.

A smash-hit celebrity with Grande’s star power hardly needs much introduction, but her role in Wicked is still a pretty big deal. Although she began singing on Broadway at the age of 15, her upcoming turn as Galinda marks the very first time that Grande has taken on the leading role in a major feature film.

She’s of course spent her whole musical career comfortably in front of the camera, often appearing in eye-catching guest spots on TV and film. Grande’s also shown up simply as her sensational self in tons of music videos and reality appearances — including her stint as a Coach on Season 21 of NBC’s The Voice.

In the Broadway version of Wicked, the role of Galinda was made famous by stage icon Kristin Chenoweth.

Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo) is the name the Wicked Witch went by back in those days, and alongside the decidedly less-edgy (and less green) Galinda Upland, she’s easily the most recognizable character anchoring Wicked’s sweeping story.

As fans familiar with Wicked’s stage production know, Elphaba was famously played by Idina Menzel during the Broadway musical’s original run.

As a student at Wicked’s Shiz University (think of it as Oz’s fictional answer to Oxford), Elphaba’s sort of a social outcast — especially compared to the super-popular Galinda. Eventually, she rebels against the Wizard’s corrupt and prejudiced rule over Oz, in the process transforming into the Wicked Witch of the West.