The highly anticipated Wicked movie adaptation, based on the iconic Broadway musical, is set to hit theatres on November 22. Among the most eagerly awaited aspects of the film is Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Galinda Upland (also known as Glinda), the Good Witch of the North. However, her vocal performance in the movie has ignited a wave of controversy within the fan community.
Ariana Grande’s Singing Creates Debate: Does It Meet Broadway Standards?
Before the release of Wicked, fans were eager to watch teaser clips and trailers. But, to their surprise, many were disappointed by Ariana Grande’s singing in the film, feeling it did not live up to the expectations of Broadway standards. Numerous fans criticized her vocal delivery, stating that her voice lacked the clarity and precision typically associated with Broadway performances.
One fan expressed on Twitter (now X): “She sings well, but her voice doesn’t sound Broadway. Broadway singers need to have clearer pronunciation and more expression.” Many agreed that Ariana’s singing lacked the emotional depth needed to truly bring the character to life, leaving some fans unconvinced by her performance.
Supporters Defend Ariana Grande: A New Interpretation of Glinda
However, not all fans are quick to criticize. A portion of Ariana’s fanbase has come to her defence, arguing that her vocal performance reflects a noteworthy transformation. One fan commented, “Ariana has been preparing for this role for over a decade, and she has crafted a completely fresh interpretation of Galinda, not just mimicking other Broadway divas.”
While Ariana’s voice may not carry the same pop essence fans are used to, it has been praised for its authenticity and suitability for the role. Another fan pointed out, “Ariana’s voice may not be what we usually hear, but listen to her rendition of ‘No One Mourns the Wicked.’ It’s clear how much she has grown vocally and in her craft.”
Lyric Controversy: Ariana Grande Corrects “Popular” Lyrics
A hilarious moment unfolded when Ariana Grande herself corrected a line in a viral clip on Instagram. While singing “Popular” from Wicked, Ariana initially sang the word “poise” (meaning grace), but quickly realized she had made a mistake. She promptly corrected herself, explaining that the correct word was “ploys” (meaning tricks). She shared, “It’s ‘ploys,’ not ‘poise’—I love you, @wickedmovie!”
This clarification left many fans in disbelief, as some had believed the lyric was “poise” for the past 20 years. One fan humorously wrote, “Wait, it’s ‘ploys’? I’ve been singing it wrong all this time!” This funny mishap sparked an avalanche of comments, further fueling the excitement and engagement from the Wicked fanbase.
The Continued Allure of “Wicked”
Despite the vocal controversy surrounding Ariana Grande’s performance in Wicked, it’s undeniable that her portrayal of Glinda has captured the attention of both Broadway fans and moviegoers. Whether or not she can prove herself on the Broadway stage with her interpretation of Galinda, the discussions and debates about her singing will likely continue to grow. One thing is for sure: Wicked’s story is far from over.
The movie Wicked is set to premiere in theatres on November 22, and fans are eagerly awaiting to see how Ariana Grande and her co-stars bring this iconic musical to life. Will her vocal performance win over critics, or will it remain a point of contention? The excitement surrounding the film’s release only continues to build.
