Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo: A Wicked Journey
Both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have become household names, but their paths intersected in a surprising way: the Broadway phenomenon Wicked. Understanding where each artist stood before stepping onto the Emerald City stage, and how the experience reshaped their careers, offers insight into the power of theatre to amplify talent.
Before Wicked: Early Careers
Ariana Grande
Born in Boca Raton, Florida, Ariana Grande began performing in local theater productions at the age of five. Her breakout moment came when she was cast as Charlotte in the Broadway revival of 13 (2008). This early exposure to a professional stage environment honed her vocal stamina and introduced her to a network of industry mentors. By the time she auditioned for Wicked, Grande had already recorded several pop demos and was cultivating a growing fan base on social media.
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo grew up in St. Thomas, Ontario, where she sang in church choirs before studying drama at the University of Toronto. Her first major theatrical credit was a leading role in the West End production of Les Misérables (2015), where critics praised her “hauntingly powerful” voice. Erivo’s classical training and experience in dramatic acting positioned her as a versatile performer, ready to tackle the complex emotional landscape of Wicked.
Landing the Roles in Wicked
In 2015, the touring company of Wicked held open auditions for the roles of Elphaba and Glinda. Ariana Grande, then a rising pop star, was invited to audition after her vocal coach recommended her for the part of Glinda. Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo, already recognized for her dramatic chops, auditioned for Elphaba. Both artists delivered powerful performances
