5 Shocking Secrets Inside Ariana Grande's Grueling Wicked Audition: Unseen Footage & The 4 Songs She Sang

The journey to becoming Glinda the Good Witch was far from easy for global superstar Ariana Grande. Despite her immense vocal talent and deep-rooted love for the Broadway musical, the casting process for the two-part film adaptation of *Wicked*—*Wicked Part One* (2024) and *Wicked: For Good* (2025)—was a grueling, multi-stage gauntlet that required the singer to completely shed her pop star persona. As of this December 2025 update, new, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage has revealed the raw, emotional intensity of her five-round audition, detailing the surprising songs she performed and the lengths she went to convince director Jon M. Chu that she was the one.

The highly publicized casting of Grande as Glinda alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba was a monumental moment for the film, but the recently surfaced audition tapes and interviews offer a fresh, intimate look at the true dedication and vulnerability it took for Grande to land the role of a lifetime.

Ariana Grande’s Complete Profile & Biography

Before diving into the intense *Wicked* audition, it is important to understand the background of the artist who dedicated years to preparing for this iconic role. Ariana Grande’s career has been defined by her impressive four-octave vocal range and her seamless transition from television star to global pop icon.

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• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993
• Birthplace: Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Actress, Songwriter, Producer
• Key Career Milestones: Rose to fame on Nickelodeon's *Victorious* (2010–2013) and *Sam & Cat* (2013–2014); achieved global success with albums like *Thank U, Next* and *Sweetener*; multiple Grammy Award wins.
• Musical Theatre Roots: Began her career on Broadway in the 2008 musical *13*.
• Wicked Role: Glinda Upland (Glinda the Good Witch) in the Universal Pictures film adaptation.

The Grueling Five-Audition Gauntlet for Glinda

In a surprising revelation, Ariana Grande admitted that she had to "beg" for the opportunity to audition for the role of Glinda. Director Jon M. Chu and the casting team were reportedly hesitant to hand the role to a major pop star without a rigorous process, especially for a feature film of this magnitude. This led to an unusually long and intense audition process that spanned over five separate rounds.

The primary hurdle Grande faced was convincing the team that she was an actress first, capable of embodying the character, and not just a celebrity stunt casting. To combat this perception, Grande made a conscious choice to strip away her famous pop star image.

Shedding the Pop Star Persona

Grande reportedly came to her auditions with absolutely no makeup, a stark contrast to her highly stylized public image. This was a deliberate effort to present herself as a raw, dedicated theatre performer. She was determined to show that her deep, lifelong connection to *Wicked* was genuine, having been a fan of the original Broadway production for years.

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The grueling nature of the process indicated the high stakes. Grande prepared for months with her vocal coach, working not just on the songs but on the specific acting nuances required for Glinda’s transformation from a bubbly, self-absorbed student to the compassionate Good Witch.

Which Songs Did Ariana Grande Sing in Her Wicked Audition?

One of the most fascinating details to emerge from the recent behind-the-scenes coverage is the list of songs Grande was required to perform. While she was auditioning specifically for the role of Glinda, the casting team had her perform a total of four songs, including some from Elphaba’s repertoire, to fully test her range and dramatic capabilities.

The four songs Grande performed during her audition rounds were:

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• "No One Mourns the Wicked": This is a Glinda/ensemble song that opens the show, requiring a particular blend of operatic soprano and theatrical storytelling. This was a key piece to test her Glinda voice and stage presence.
• "Popular": Glinda's signature solo, showcasing her comedic timing, vocal dexterity, and ability to deliver a character-driven performance.
• "Defying Gravity": Surprisingly, Grande was asked to sing this iconic Elphaba power ballad. This was likely a test of her vocal power, emotional depth, and ability to handle the most challenging material in the show.
• "The Wizard and I": Another Elphaba song, which is more of a reflective, character-driven piece. Singing both Elphaba’s songs demonstrated her versatility and commitment to the material, proving she was prepared for any challenge.

This willingness to perform songs outside of her intended role demonstrated a powerful level of preparation. It solidified her commitment to the director and producers, showing that she viewed the project as a serious theatrical endeavor, not just a career pivot.

The Emotional Aftermath: Tears, Triumph, and Unseen Footage

After the intense, months-long process culminating in five separate auditions, the moment of truth was captured on video, and the raw footage is now a viral sensation. Director Jon M. Chu delivered the news to both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo via video call, and their reactions were immediately and overwhelmingly emotional.

Grande’s reaction was one of pure, unrestrained joy and relief. She was seen sobbing uncontrollably as Chu confirmed she was cast as Glinda. This tearful moment was a culmination of her lifelong dream, which she had been manifesting since she was a child. The emotional connection to the role was palpable, proving that the pop star was deeply invested in the material, not just the fame.

The release of this "unseen footage" and the candid interviews where Grande discusses the lengths she went to—including sharing her vocal coach with other potential Glindas out of kindness—have only increased the public's anticipation for the film.

This behind-the-scenes look at the casting process serves as a powerful reminder that even for the world's biggest stars, the most coveted roles require immense sacrifice, vulnerability, and a willingness to fight for the part. Ariana Grande's journey to becoming Glinda was a testament to her dedication, silencing any critics who doubted her ability to transition from a celebrated pop singer to a serious, leading actress in a major Hollywood musical. The final result of her grueling efforts will be seen when *Wicked Part One* finally graces the big screen, cementing her place in the history of this beloved story.