Kristin Chenoweth Reacts to Ariana Grande’s Comment That Glinda fromWicked‘Might Be a Little in the Closet’

Mar. 15, 2025

Kristin Chenoweth; Ariana Grande.Photo:Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty; Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty; Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda inWickedon Broadway in 2003, reacted toAriana Grande’s recent comment that Glinda in the newWickedmovie“might be a little in the closet.”

While speaking to the U.K. outletGay Timesfor a video interview published Friday, Nov. 21,Grande andWickedcostarCynthia Erivoshared their thoughts on their character’s sexualities.

“I think Elphie, she goes wherever the wind blows,” Erivo, 37, said of her character Elphaba. “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,” adding that their characters have an “unbreakable bond.”

“And trust and truth,” Grande, 31, chimed in. “Just such a safe space for one another, which is what all relationships should be, whether it’s romantic or platonic.” The pop star then said, “Glinda might be a little in the closet. You never know!”

Chenoweth, 56, agreed: “I thought so too way back when….” the actress commented on anInstagrampost on Friday.

Idina Menzel, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and Kristin Chenoweth on Nov. 9, 2024.Rob Latour/Shutterstock

Rob Latour/Shutterstock

In the sameGay Timesclip, Grande noted that the connection between Glinda and Elphaba “is just a true love, and I think that transcends sexuality. It’s just a deep safety within one another, which is why they [the fans] probably ‘ship it.’ ”

Wicked— an iconic Broadway show-turned-movie — tells the origin story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. The story reveals that Elphaba and Glinda were once best friends before events outside of their control forced them into drastically different directions — and turned Elphaba into the “evil” witch audiences know fromTheWizard of Oz.

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Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in 2024.Karwai Tang/WireImage

Karwai Tang/WireImage

Off-screen, Grande, and Erivo have displayed a close real-life friendship, attending press events incoordinated outfitsand showing support for one another inmoments of need.

The film will be released in two installments, and the first part is in theaters now.

source: people.com