How Glinda Helped Ariana Grande Rediscover Her Musical Magic

Ariana Grande spilled the tea on her "Shut Up Evan" podcast, revealing that her iconic role as Glinda in the "Wicked" films completely reignited her passion for music, inspiring her "Eternal Sunshine" album and upcoming tour.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop!

• Ariana Grande was secretly planning to quit music before landing her role as Glinda in the "Wicked" movies.
• Playing Glinda gave Ariana a "genuine spark" and "self-belief" that reconnected her to her creative passion, leading to her Grammy-nominated album "Eternal Sunshine" (2024).
• She's embarking on "The Eternal Sunshine Tour" in 2026, a "baby step" return to touring, while also navigating a low-key press tour for "Wicked: For Good" due to filming another movie.

From Pop Star Hiatus to Ozian Royalty: A Creative Shift

Alright, Arianators, get ready for a dose of honesty from your favorite pop powerhouse. Ariana Grande, the "Thank U, Next" hitmaker, recently dropped a bombshell on Evan Ross Katz's "Shut Up Evan" podcast: she was seriously considering hanging up her mic for good before the world of Oz came calling. Seriously, she was this close to saying "boy bye, bye, bye" to her music career, having released her last album, "Positions," way back in 2020 and last toured with her "Sweetener World Tour" in 2019.

Ariana had stepped away from the music scene to fully immerse herself in her quest for the role of Glinda in the highly anticipated "Wicked" film adaptation. This wasn't just a temporary break; it was a profound shift in her career focus. Little did she know, this acting endeavor would become the very catalyst she needed to rediscover her musical soul. It was a secret she kept close, this intention to not make another album, a weighty decision for an artist who has given us so many unforgettable bops.

Glinda's Powerful Influence on Ariana's Artistic Journey

So, what changed her mind? It was Glinda, the bubbly, ambitious, and eventually, kind-hearted witch from Oz. Ariana revealed that playing Glinda had a transformative effect on her, "totally rearranged everything about my relationship to creating." She explained that Glinda's unwavering "certainty and belief in herself totally ignited something in me that I missed, that I really needed."

Imagine finding yourself in a role that mirrors your own path of self-discovery. That's what happened for Ariana. She described Glinda as a character who learns immensely over the course of the two films, constantly forced to "look at herself in the mirror... and sort of peel away at the pieces of her that don’t feel aligned." Ariana felt she was "kind of forced to do that alongside her," an unexpected parallel that spurred immense personal and creative growth. This immersion into a character with such a strong sense of self and purpose helped her unearth a strength she hadn't realized was lying dormant.

"[Playing Glinda] has done so much for Ariana. It has totally rearranged everything about my relationship to creating, you know. I didn’t think I was going to make an album ever again when I left for London. That was kind of my secret, but I didn’t think I was going to, you know."

— Ariana Grande on the "Shut Up Evan" podcast

The Genuine Spark: Rekindling a Deep Connection to Music

It wasn't just about Glinda's strength; it was also about a rediscovery of pure, unadulterated joy in music. Ariana spoke of feeling "a genuine spark, like a reconnection and inspiration and something." She candidly admitted, "maybe I missed it. Maybe it’s as simple as I missed it." This sentiment highlights a crucial truth for artists: sometimes, a step back allows for a renewed appreciation and a deeper, more organic desire to create. She learned that "you have to miss things in order to learn to become better for them."

This newfound motivation wasn't forced; it was an "inspired moment" where she "just felt like I couldn’t not" write an album. This intense, almost uncontrollable urge to create led her back into the studio. During breaks from filming the "Wicked" duology, she began channeling this refreshed energy into what would become her seventh studio album, "Eternal Sunshine."

Celebrating "Eternal Sunshine": Album Success and Tour Anticipation

The result of this creative revival? Her critically acclaimed album, "Eternal Sunshine," which she released in 2024. The album was a testament to her rekindled passion and went on to receive a nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album at the prestigious 2025 Grammy Awards. For this project, Ariana teamed up with her longtime collaborators, the acclaimed producers Max Martin and Ilya, creating a sound that resonated deeply with fans and critics alike.

But the surprises didn't stop there! While she initially hadn't planned to tour, the connection she felt with "Eternal Sunshine" was too strong to ignore. She confessed that she would have been "really sad if I don’t sing this album live." It was an internal calling, an impulse she couldn't deny. This desire to share her music live with fans led to the announcement of "The Eternal Sunshine Tour," her first major tour since 2019's "Sweetener World Tour."

The tour is scheduled to kick off on June 6, 2026, in Oakland, California, and will eventually make its way across the pond, concluding with five highly anticipated nights at London's iconic O2 Arena in August 2026. For her dedicated UK fans, pre-sale tickets for these shows began on September 16, with general sales opening on September 18. Ariana also hinted that this tour might be a unique experience for a while, stating that another tour "probably won’t happen for a long time again after this one," making it an even more special event for her and her fans.

Beyond the Music: Defending Genuine Enthusiasm in a "Cringe" Culture

Ariana's recent podcast appearance wasn't just about her music comeback; it also touched on a deeper philosophy about authentic emotion in a world quick to dismiss it. She passionately spoke out against the "cringe" culture, where genuine excitement and earnestness are often ridiculed or labeled as "trying too hard."

She believes this aversion to showing real feelings is "really sad," especially for those, like herself, who "love so much" and are "grateful to feel so much." Ariana highlighted her experiences during last year's "Wicked" press tour, which famously spawned viral moments like the "holding space" meme. She explained that her and co-star Cynthia Erivo's emotional reactions during that time were often "mistaken for inauthenticity" by the public. "There are so many clips that you would understand if you were there," she told Katz, emphasizing that the "Wicked" press tour was a "really beautiful time" for her.

Her message is clear: "We should be able to be happy and it not be corny or cringe… being passionate about something, loving people. That’s the best. Why do you want me to be sitting here numb? Been there." It's a powerful statement about embracing vulnerability and genuine human emotion, a sentiment that undoubtedly resonates with her art and her fans.

Navigating the Emerald City: "Wicked: For Good" Promotional Strategies

Speaking of "Wicked," the promotional cycle for the second installment, "Wicked: For Good," is shaping up to be a different beast compared to the extensive, months-long press tour for the first film. Ariana explained that the new approach is "more low-key for a variety of reasons," with a main factor being her packed filming schedule for other projects.

Currently, she's busy shooting the upcoming 2026 film "Focker In-Law" alongside an all-star cast including Skyler Gisondo, Ben Stiller, and Robert De Niro. Her schedule is incredibly tight: she's "wrapping Fockers on Halloween and flying straight into Brazil," where the "Wicked" press tour will kick off just three days later. It's a logistical challenge, she admits, rather than a deliberate strategy to scale back. However, there's also an "element of we wanted to make it different this time," with a clear focus on making it "more about the fans."

The first "Wicked" film, released in November 2024, was a massive success, breaking box office records as the highest-grossing adaptation of a Broadway musical. Its soundtrack also debuted impressively at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. "Wicked: For Good" is set to tie a bow on this epic saga, arriving in theaters on November 21.

A Special Treat for Fans: The "Wicked" Concert Event

One of the main ways Ariana and the "Wicked" team are planning to connect with fans this time around is through a special concert event. Announced last July, this "Wicked" concert special is set to premiere in early November on NBC. It will feature Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo performing songs from the musical live, alongside special guests, offering a unique opportunity for fans to experience the magic before the film's release.

This two-hour concert special will air on November 6 at 8 p.m. ET, just 15 days before "Wicked: For Good" hits theaters. For those who can't catch it live, it will be available on-demand via Peacock the following day. It’s a brilliant way to build hype and give back to the fans, perfectly aligning with their intention to make this promotional cycle "more about the fans."

Looking Ahead: What's Next for the Multi-Talented Star?

Beyond her current filming commitments and the "Wicked" promotions, Ariana Grande has had a fascinating career arc. She even shared in the podcast that early in her career, pop legends Madonna and Beyoncé were among the first to reach out, offering guidance and making her "feel safe" as she navigated newfound fame. It's clear that her journey has been one of constant evolution, marked by profound personal and professional growth.

With "The Eternal Sunshine Tour" planned for 2026 and her starring role in "Wicked: For Good" about to captivate audiences, Ariana Grande continues to prove her versatility and enduring talent. Her openness about almost quitting music, and how a challenging acting role reignited her spark, offers a refreshing glimpse into the inner world of a superstar who prioritizes genuine passion and connection above all else.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ariana Grande & "Wicked"

When does "Wicked: For Good" premiere in theaters? "Wicked: For Good," the second part of the "Wicked" film adaptation, is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 21.

Where can I watch the "Wicked" concert special? The "Wicked" concert special, featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, will air on NBC on November 6 at 8 p.m. ET. It will be available for streaming on Peacock the following day.

What is Ariana Grande's upcoming tour called and when is it? Ariana Grande's upcoming tour is called "The Eternal Sunshine Tour." It's set to begin on June 6, 2026, in Oakland, California, and conclude in August 2026 with multiple dates at London's O2 Arena.

What was Ariana Grande's last album before "Eternal Sunshine"? Before "Eternal Sunshine" (2024), Ariana Grande's last album was "Positions," released in 2020.

Sources

• Billboard
• The National Desk
• Just Jared
• News18
• Times of India / Etimes.in
• Mirror US
• Ahmedabad Mirror
• IBTimes
• Movie Talkies