Ariana Grande Calls Filming New Bad Song ‘A Long, Emotional Process’

Ariana Grande opening up about the emotional process of filming Wicked: For Goodteasing a new song for Glinda as well as a major transformation for the character.

When appearing on Variety“Awards Circuit Podcast,” released on Saturday, January 11, Grande, 31, discussed filming the song “For Good,” the iconic duet between Glinda and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo). For the uninitiated, the song marks a pivotal moment for the characters in the future Wicked progression.

“Shooting ‘For Good’ was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” Grande shared. “It was such a long and emotional process. I kind of leave my body. We filmed it over the course of a week, and it stayed with me. I haven’t even seen the final cut yet because I’m not sure I’m ready to feel it all yet.”

Wicked: For Good It will also include a brand new song for Glinda, written by the composer Stephen Schwartz for the film.

Related: Ariana Grande Credits Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo For Helping Her ‘Heal’

Ariana Grande credits her badass costar Cynthia Erivo for helping her “heal certain parts” of herself. Grande, 31, and Erivo, 37, spoke about their friendship in an interview with The New York Times published on Wednesday, November 6. “I feel inspired by her fierce ability to be honest and defend herself ,” (…)

“It’s a pivotal moment in Glinda’s journey,” Grande revealed. “It shows a side of her that we’ve never seen before. In the stage show, this transformation takes place off stage. But in the film, we see her make the decision that defines who she is. It’s a privilege to be able to sing this song and to be the first Glinda to bring it to life.”

Glinda was originally played by Kristin Chenoweth in Wicked on Broadway. Talk with VarietyGrande further reflected on her own interpretation of the character, saying, “From the moment it was announced, I realized that this role would live with me forever.”

She continued, “It’s an honor, but it also comes with so much pressure. I wanted to do him justice. Glinda isn’t just a character for me – she’s a symbol of growth and love, and I wanted to give her everything I had.”

Directed by John M. Chu, Wicked based on the Broadway musical and Gregory Maguire‘ the 1995 novel of the same name. It follows the story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda, the Good Witch, before and during the events of The Wizard of Oz as their relationship develops from roommates to best friends, set against the backdrop of social turmoil in the land of Oz.

Erivo, for her part, also gushed about one of the new songs of the sequel on an episode from December 2024 Variety“Award Chatter” podcast.

“I collaborated on one of the new songs, and it’s so special to me,” he said at the time. “When we filmed it, the whole crew was in tears. I hope audiences are ready – it’s a song that speaks to the heart of who Elphaba is.”

He continued, “We dive deeper into the consequences of the characters’ choices. The story is richer, and the stakes are higher. It is not just a continuation; it’s a transformation.”

Wicked is in theaters now and is available to rent and buy on digital platforms. The sequel, named Wicked: For Goodhits theaters on November 21.