Singer-actress Ariana Grande, who has achieved remarkable success across both the music and acting industries since her rise to fame, has openly acknowledged that slowing down her relentless pace could be beneficial for her well-being. "I think that it would probably be healthy. I'm not used to taking breaks. But I do know that I grew so much from taking space from music while I was filming Wicked," Grande revealed in a candid interview.
Ariana Grande's Reflection on Her Career Pace
Grande emphasized that the past decade and a half have been characterized by constant activity, with little room for respite. "These past few years have been pretty non-stop. And by few, I mean 15," she stated, highlighting the intense demands of her dual career in entertainment. This reflection comes as she looks toward a future with more equilibrium.
Seeking Balance in the Coming Years
The multi-talented star expressed a clear desire for greater balance in her life moving forward. "Balance is the goal for the next 15 years. I don't think they will look like the previous 15 years. I think there will be more balance," Grande told Vogue Japan, indicating a shift in her approach to work and personal life. This aspiration marks a significant evolution from her earlier years of non-stop productivity.
Immersing Herself in the Role of Glinda
Grande, who portrays Glinda in the two-part Wicked film adaptation, shared insights into her deep immersion in the character. She spent considerable time analyzing Glinda's motivations and backstory. "I spent a lot of time reading between the lines and scribbling down little ideas about what might have happened along the way that made her feel insecure," Grande recalled.
She elaborated on how subtle elements shaped Glinda's persona. "Whether it was her friendship with Elphaba or her relationship with Fiyero, tiny things she swept under the rug that shaped her into this super high-functioning, performative human being." This meticulous preparation allowed her to bring depth to the beloved character.
The Art of Performance and Authenticity
Grande also reflected on the broader nature of performance, drawing parallels between acting and her music career. "Sometimes we are playing a character, and sometimes we are letting our guard down. Sometimes we are inventing a persona or taking on a character that was written for us by someone else. And sometimes it's just pouring our hearts out and letting our truths out," she explained.
She noted the intriguing blur between reality and performance. "But it's always interesting because the world sometimes can't tell the difference." This observation underscores the complexities of maintaining authenticity in the public eye.
Forging a Sisterhood with Cynthia Erivo
During the production of the Wicked movies, Grande developed a strong bond with her co-star Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba. Despite not auditioning together initially, they forged a meaningful connection. "It's what we committed to do, it's what we knew it had to be, and I think we did a beautiful job of that," Grande said of their collaboration.
She highlighted their differences and mutual support. "We have very different processes, and we're very different as people. Yet we took the time to learn each other, take care of each other through this process... I think it was really meant to be." This sisterhood enriched their on-screen chemistry and personal experience.
The Gratifying Experience of Working on Wicked
Grande described her involvement in Wicked as profoundly rewarding. "We took good care of each other and worked very hard, and it was the most gratifying work of my life. I would do it all over again today," she expressed, underscoring the positive impact of the project on her career and personal growth.
