Wicked’s Ariana Grande reveals her thoughts on Glinda’s sexuality after ‘queerbaiting’ claims
As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and a lifelong fan of the Wicked series, I must say that this latest interview with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo has filled my heart with joy and hope.
Growing up, I always felt different and struggled to find characters who represented me on screen. But in Glinda and Elphaba, I found two strong, complex, and beautifully flawed characters that resonated with me deeply. The fact that Ariana Grande is now openly hinting at a romantic connection between these iconic characters fills me with a sense of validation and representation that I never thought I would experience.
It’s no secret that queerbaiting can be frustrating, but in this case, it feels different. Ariana’s subtle nods to the LGBTQ+ community and her unapologetic support for Elphaba and Glinda feel genuine and heartfelt. It reminds me of the power of representation and how it can change lives.
In a world where queer stories are often sidelined or erased, it’s refreshing to see such an influential figure like Ariana Grande using her platform to bring attention to the queerness that has always been a part of the Wicked universe. It’s a small step towards creating more representation and visibility for LGBTQ+ audiences, and I can’t help but feel grateful for it.
And let me tell you, as someone who has spent countless hours debating the romantic leanings of Glinda and Elphaba with my fellow theater kids, Ariana’s recent actions have officially won my endorsement! It’s a sign that maybe, just maybe, one day we’ll get to see the love story between these two iconic characters unfold on screen.
In the meantime, I’ll be over here, waiting with bated breath and a box of tissues for Wicked: For Good to premiere in 2025. And if Ariana keeps dropping hints like this, who knows? Maybe we’ll even get to see her wear Elphaba’s hat on the red carpet!
Joke time: I’m just waiting for the day when the sequel is announced as “Wicked: For Real” and Ariana comes out as Elphie herself!
Ariana Grande expects that discussions about the sexual orientation of her character Glinda, from the upcoming second film of “Wicked,” might become more extensive following its release later in the year.
In a fresh conversation with Variety, the actress, aged 31, revisited the subject of Glinda’s sexuality following allegations of ‘queerbaiting’. She had addressed this matter in the past.
Grandé was accompanied by her fellow actor Cynthia Erivo, aged 37, who portrays the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba. She expressed her opinion that Glinda and Elphaba share a deep affection for one another, but this love is more about a strong bond rather than romance.
In response to queries regarding her statements about Glinda being somewhat unconventional, Grande stated, “I believe she’s an individual who expresses profound love, and I feel this transcends gender. This seems to be a recurring motif in Oz.
I too believe that the depth of her love for Elphaba, coupled with their capacity to forgive and offer unconditional love, strongly suggests that they are deeply in love, even if we acknowledge that this love is not romantic or physical.
The star then added, ‘But we’ll talk about it more in depth in movie two.’
In a different part of the conversation, they shared that they supported each other emotionally throughout their controversial public appearances promoting Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation of the 2003 Broadway musical, which had a budget of $150 million.
This event transpired following Grande’s comment about Glinda potentially being “a bit closeted,” which she made during an interview in November.
In a heart-to-heart chat with Gay Times from the U.K., I found myself discussing an intriguing topic – fan speculations of my on-screen characters as romantic partners. It’s truly humbling to see such passion and creativity from fans, making me feel grateful for the strong bond we share in our story.
However, Ariana’s answers sparked backlash from some fans, who accused her of ‘queerbaiting.’
Based on my years of observing human behavior and interactions, I have learned to appreciate the nuances that often lie beneath people’s words and actions. From what I could gather during her interview, it seemed like Glinda might be guarding a part of herself, perhaps harboring something personal or sensitive. However, I believe that everyone has their own time to reveal their truth, so let’s give Glinda some more space and time before making any definitive judgments about her.
I, as a fervent admirer, echoed Grande’s sentiments about Oz being a ‘tribute to individuality’. She further elaborated that this land is a reflection of its inhabitants, who are all uniquely and beautifully ‘quirky’. This characteristic, she noted, can be traced back to the original L. Frank Baum books, where the word ‘queer’ was used most frequently.
As someone who grew up in a small town where being different was often met with disapproval, I can deeply appreciate the sentiment behind the statement that ‘everyday in the Emerald City is a Pride parade.’ Growing up, I felt like an outsider, and it wasn’t until later in life that I found my own pride in who I am. The idea of a city where everyone can openly celebrate their identity without fear or judgment is something that resonates with me deeply. Even the chickens in the Land of Oz, being proudly gay, symbolize a world where diversity and acceptance are not only tolerated but embraced. This kind of environment fosters love, understanding, and the freedom to be oneself, which I believe is essential for a fulfilling life.
Elsewhere in the interview she called Doctor Dillamond, played by Peter Dinklage, a ‘gay icon.’
Meanwhile, Erivo said of her green witch, ‘I think Elphie, she goes wherever the wind blows.’
Based on my personal experiences and observations, I firmly believe that Glinda truly cherishes her relationship. It seems to me that she embodies love itself, and it’s a beautiful thing to witness such deep connections between people. I’ve seen how much happiness and warmth they bring to each other’s lives, and I wholeheartedly support them in celebrating their bond. Their relationship is truly special, and it’s a reminder of the power of genuine love and friendship.
Erivo stated, “They indeed share a significant connection. It’s a deep, genuine affection that has led many to speculate their relationship, as the bond they’ve created seems indestructible.
Later on, Grande described her character in Good Witch as embodying ‘trust and honesty’. She explained that it provided a secure environment for everyone involved, a quality that she believes is essential in all relationships, regardless of whether they are romantic or friendly.
‘I mean, it is just a true love, and I think that transcends sexuality,’ Grande shared.
‘It’s just kind of a deep safety within each other. And that’s probably why they ship it.’
The interviewer then asked if everyone in Oz was LGBTQ+.
‘I think so, a little bit,’ Cynthia said. ‘Yeah,’ Ariana concurred.
In Wicked, Glinda and Elphaba start as enemies but grow into friends while they are in school.
In this movie, there are love stories unfolding. Specifically, Glinda is trying to win over Prince Fiyero, but it turns out he has feelings for Elphaba instead. Meanwhile, Boq, played by Ethan Slater (who happens to be Ariana Grande’s real-life partner), harbors affection for Glinda, though she doesn’t reciprocate his feelings.
After that intriguing interview, I found myself joining the chorus of excited fans expressing their concerns online, with one comment catching my eye: “The hints towards a non-heterosexual storyline are becoming overly suggestive.
As a dedicated admirer of diverse storytelling, I can’t help but notice this intriguing phenomenon known as “queerbaiting.” It’s when creative minds subtly suggest the possibility of same-sex romance or LGBTQ+ representation in their work, yet fail to follow through and deliver on those hints. It leaves us fans yearning for more, dancing around the edge of a narrative that could be so rich and meaningful but remains tantalizingly out of reach.
Another asked: ‘Why can’t they just be platonic?’
‘OH????’ another one simply said.
A supporter commented that Ariana Grande has been sharing Gephy memes on her Story, liked a post discussing the rainbow-colored flower fields representing lesbianism, mentioned “the boy is mine” refers to Elphaba, and hinted that Glinda might be hiding something in the closet.
Ariana seems very determined about this ship! First, she implies that Glinda might be secretive about her feelings, and now she’s donning Elphaba’s hat? That’s quite bold of her!
As a devoted fan, I couldn’t help but notice that some fellow enthusiasts saw things differently when it came to Ariana’s portrayal of Glinda. One fan excitedly pointed out, ‘Ariana hinted at Glinda being slightly open about her orientation! We’ve got this!’
In another interview with GLAAD, the principal actresses shared their expectations regarding what the LGBTQ community might derive from the production of Wicked.
I’ve seen the struggles you’ve faced and the resilience you’ve shown in overcoming them. Your unique qualities set you apart from others, making you truly special. The way you embrace your identity as a queer individual is nothing short of inspiring. I want you to know that you are worthy of all the good things life has to offer, and I am here to support you on your journey. You are beautiful, strong, and deserving of love, just as you are.
Elphaba shares similarities with you, as she too knows the sensation of loneliness and feeling distinct, yet this does not diminish your unique, inherent worth in any way, according to Erivo.
In reference to the magical realm of The Wizard of Oz, Grande commented: “Oz is an incredibly unusual world, and it has always been so, even in the original stories by L. Frank Baum. It’s always been quite unconventional.
The musical “Wicked” debuted in movie theaters on November 22, 2024, with its follow-up, titled “Wicked: For Good,” scheduled to hit the silver screen a day earlier, on November 21, 2025.
The lavishly produced, widely praised fantasy movie with a budget of $150 million has earned approximately $643.8 million worldwide since its release.
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2025-01-03 03:34