Ariana Grande reveals past relationship influenced Wicked role: "Felt so real"

Ariana Grande revealed that her past relationship helped influence her portrayal of Glinda in the upcoming Wicked movie.  © Collage: IMAGO / AAP

On top of speaking about where she sees herself going career-wise in the future on the Las Culturistas podcast, Ari also addressed how she used her past to shape the iconic role of Glinda.

Speaking to her co-host Bowen Yang, the 31-year-old shed some light on a previous relationship, acknowledging that while it wasn't meant to last, respect and growth came from the experience, per Us Weekly.

"We hit our marks, and we do our thing, and we sing our songs, and we do what we're supposed to do. But it really felt so real," she explained.

"It's like, you can't actually actually continue growing together. You're growing apart, and you can still love that person so much and acknowledge that that's gonna be best for them, but it's not gonna be best for me," she continued.

While she didn't reveal the identity of the person she was talking about, Ariana did relay how important it is to stay to true yourself.

Ariana Grande (r.) and Ethan Slater at a Wicked photo call in Sydney, Australia.  © Collage: IMAGO / AAP

"So I do have to not self-abandon in this moment," she added.

"And I have to stay where I am. And I want you to go there, but I can't join you."

Ariana has dated a slew of A-listers in the past, including Ricky Alvarez, Big Sean, Pete Davidson, and the late Mac Miller.

The eternal sunshine singer is currently dating her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, who plays loved-up munchkin Boq.

The pair started dating shortly after Ari's separation from her ex-husband Dalton Gomez and have been inseparable ever since, despite intense debate among fans.

Both were recently seen holding hands at the Wicked movie premiere in Sydney, Australia.