Ariana Grande and Kristin Chenoweth both think their “Wicked” character, Glinda, may be part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Grande, who stars as the famed Good Witch in the new film adaptation, was the first to speculate about her character’s sexuality as she and her co-star Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, discussed fans shipping their protagonists as a romantic couple.
“You know, maybe Glinda might be a little in the closet!” Grande told the Gay Times in an interview published Thursday. “If there were a time, you know, you never know, give it a little more time!”
Grande, 31, and Erivo, 37, explained that Glinda and Elphaba have such a “deep” connection that they can understand why some fans would want the characters to date.
“It’s just a true love, and I think that transcends sexuality,” the pop star continued. “It’s kind of a deep safety within each other, [so] that’s why they probably ship it.”
Meanwhile, Erivo — who came out as bisexual in 2022 — said Elphaba “goes wherever the wind goes.”
“I think she loves Glinda. I think she loves love, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with celebrating the deep connection that both of them have,” the actress said.
“It’s a relationship. It is true love, which is probably why people are shipping it, because what they build with each other is an unbreakable bond and love.”
Grande agreed, saying their characters found “truth and trust” within a “safe space for one another, which is what all relationships should be.”
Shortly after Grande’s comments about Glinda made headlines, Chenoweth — who originated the role in the 2003 Broadway musical — shared her thoughts.
“I thought so too way back when….” the Tony winner, 56, commented on Instagram later Thursday.
Fans have long theorized that “Wicked” has many LGBTQIA+ themes, including the meaning behind the song “Defying Gravity,” Elphaba’s story of facing adversity for being different and the overall message of not conforming to traditional societal expectations.
Grande and Erivo both referred to the Land of Oz as a “queer place” in their Gay Times interview.
“Oz is just a celebration of uniqueness, and everyone is so beautiful in Oz, and I don’t even think it is a conscious discussion or decision,” the “7 Rings” singer told the Gay Times. “Everyone is just so beautifully queer.”
“Wicked: Part One” is in theaters now.
English (US) ·