Ariana Grande Reflects on Childhood Inspiration from Judy Garland and Her Journey to ‘Wicked’

In a heartfelt interview, Ariana Grande revealed how her childhood fascination with Judy Garland and The Wizard of Ozshaped her early love for music and performance. The pop sensation and actress, now 31, shared with W Magazine that her first impersonation was of Garland, who famously portrayed Dorothy in the 1939 classic musical-fantasy film.

“I used to sit in front of the TV in my little gingham dress and study Judy Garland’s body movements, how she held herself, and even how she interacted with Toto,” Grande reminisced. “My first memory of performing was likely imitating her. I’ve always been fascinated by sounds, tones, and accents.”

Grande, who stars as Glinda in the upcoming Wicked film adaptation, recalled how her love for music began early, singing along with her mom to artists like Barbra Streisand and *NSYNC. Her connection to Garland’s iconic performance in The Wizard of Oz was so profound that she even remembers pairing her gingham dress with a ‘Scream’ mask, an endearing blend of childhood whimsy.

Finding Escape in Musical Theatre

Grande has long credited musical theatre as an important escape and creative outlet. Speaking to Variety, she reflected on the joy of storytelling that drew her to the stage as a child. “I was a child, and I would sit there watching The Wizard of Ozand study Judy Garland. I just remember it being such an escape.”

Her passion for performance grew as she attended Broadway shows and immersed herself in the magic of live theatre. This love of storytelling eventually led Grande to pursue her dream role in Wicked, the highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical.

The Road to Glinda

Landing the role of Glinda was no small feat for Grande, who revealed how determined she was to secure an audition. “I was hunting Marc Platt [the film’s producer] down for an audition,” she said. “As soon as I found out that it might be happening, I told my team, ‘Be on high alert.’ I knew this was something I had to earn.”

Grande dedicated herself to intensive preparation, working with vocal and acting coaches to fine-tune her skills for the part. “Glinda’s vocal track is very different from what I usually sing,” she explained. “It took a lot of hard work, but I wanted to prove that I could do it.”

A Full-Circle Moment

For Grande, portraying Glinda in Wicked is not just a career milestone but also a realization of her childhood dreams. Reflecting on her journey from impersonating Judy Garland as a young girl to stepping into the shoes of one of musical theatre’s most iconic characters, Grande’s story is a testament to her dedication and lifelong passion for performance.

As fans eagerly await the release of Wicked, Grande’s candid reflections offer a glimpse into the personal inspirations and hard work behind her success.

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