Ariana Grande Delivers an Oscar-Worthy Performance in Wicked: For Good

Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures. © 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

From dominating the streaming charts to captivating on the silver screen, Ariana Grande proves she is a generational talent.

Wicked: For Good is a magnificent film anchored by strong performances from its entire ensemble, yet it is Grande who truly shines. Having witnessed her evolution into a larger-than-life artist with seemingly limitless capabilities, her portrayal of Glinda marks a monumental career peak.

Ariana Grande manages to seamlessly evoke both laughter and tears—the twin hallmarks of genuine cinematic power. She expertly controls the film's emotional currents: the laughter is hers, and the tears are hers.

Glinda is arguably the film's most powerful character, and Grande's presence is commensurate with her character's magnitude.

Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures. © 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Even in moments of silence, her radiant charisma illuminates the screen, speaking volumes without a single word. Crucially, the organic chemistry she shares with her co-stars elevates every interaction and scene, enriching the ensemble's overall performance.

This is not just successful casting; it’s a transformative, career-defining event that deserves every accolade. Grande has made Glinda her own. Her performance is so perfect, it joins the ranks of those rare, indelible roles where casting anyone else becomes unthinkable.

While she was excellent in the first part, the sequel truly offered Grande the opportunity to display her full range and versatility. Given the chance to flex her talent completely, she delivered a performance that was nothing short of brilliant. The artistry displayed here puts the Grammy Award winner on a direct trajectory toward an Academy Award.