Kristin Chenoweth; Ariana Grande.Photo: David Livingston/Getty; Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty
Kristin Chenowethcan’t wait to seeAriana Grande’s take on the role she made famous.
The 28-year-old pop star was cast to play Glinda in the upcoming big-screen adaptation of the musicalWickedopposite Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Chenoweth and Idina Menzel originated those roles on Broadway when it debuted in October 2003, and the former is revealing the advice she gave Grande.
“I have known Grande since she was 10, so Ariana, I am very, very proud of you. She knows,” Chenoweth, 53, toldEntertainment Tonightduring the Critics Choice Awards red carpet Sunday. “We talk every day and it’s an honor and a pleasure to pass the wand and the crown to you.”
She added, “I am a mentor. I am also a mentee because I am learning from her as well. … I told her not to think about me. To find her own Glinda. We talk about it, and we talk about life a lot.”
In November, Erivo, 35,shared a photoof a pink and green floral arrangement that Grande had sent her about their casting with a note that read: “Dear Cynthia, honored doesn’t even begin to cover it. I cannot wait to hug you. See you in Oz.”
Kristin Chenoweth and Ariana Grande in 2016.Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
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Grandealso received flowersfrom her costar in Glinda and Elphaba’s signature colors and a note that began with “pink goes good with green.” Erivo wrote, “Congratulations Miss A, the part was made for you. I look forward to sharing this musical journey with you.”
RELATED VIDEO: Idina Menzel CongratulatesAriana Grande, Cynthia Erivo onWickedCasting News: ‘So Much Love’
During E!’s red carpet coverage at the 2022 Screen Actors Guild Awards last month, Erivo sharedhow she and Grande are bondingwhile preparing for the production.Crazy Rich AsiansandIn the Heightsdirector Jon M. Chu is directing theWickedmovie.
“Ariana and I have been meeting and chatting and talking and building our own relationship because we know that it’s a sisterhood and we want to be ready and prepared to be there for one another,” she said. “So it’s that, and Jon is amazing so we’re just sort of waiting to start. We’re ready to rehearse and get into it.”
She added, “It’s the most delightful thing ever. We sat for like three hours on the floor of my house and just chatted and talked about everything.”
source: people.com
