Ariana Grande says ‘Wicked’ helped her rediscover her love for music

In a candid moment, pop superstar Ariana Grande revealed that her role in the film adaptation of Wicked reignited a creative spark she thought might have faded.

During a recent podcast appearance, she shared that she felt a “genuine spark, like a reconnection and inspiration… maybe it’s as simple as I missed it.”

At 32, she described the experience of playing Glinda as more than just another acting job; it became a creative reset that transformed how she sees her career.

Here’s what you need to know.

What sparked the change?

Grande says filming Wicked was a turning point for her artistry.

She admitted she was in a creative slump and unsure whether she’d ever make another album. She explained that she “felt like a genuine spark,” and that having distance from the music world helped her remember why she started in the first place.

That realization struck her during filming, when she realized how much she’d missed the simple joy of making music. It wasn’t about fame or success anymore; it was about the connection she felt through sound, performance, and storytelling.

She almost walked away from music

Grande revealed she had secretly planned to stop making albums.

When she traveled to the U.K. to film Wicked, she didn’t expect to record another full-length record. After years of back-to-back projects, she felt emotionally and creatively drained, describing how the pressure of being a global pop star had started to weigh on her.

She admitted that the constant demand to perform, tour, and deliver had begun to erode her passion. “Touring and creating music are so self-focused,” she said. “I think that wears on my soul sometimes.” It’s a refreshingly honest confession from an artist who’s been in the spotlight since her teens.

How Glinda pulled her back in

Playing Glinda changed more than her schedule; it shifted her mindset.

Grande described how portraying the confident, bubbly character helped her reconnect with her instincts and creativity. The role forced her to slow down and focus on emotion rather than expectation.

She explained that being immersed in Glinda’s world helped her peel away the parts of herself that didn’t feel aligned anymore. When production resumed after the industry strikes, she said stepping back into character felt effortless. “No, it was there. There was nothing to find. And as soon as I got there, it was like done.”

The album was born from renewal

That renewed energy turned into the album Eternal Sunshine.

While filming Wicked, Grande felt inspired to create again, not out of obligation, but genuine passion. “I genuinely wanted to do it. I just felt like I couldn’t not,” she said of returning to the studio. The sessions became her emotional outlet, allowing her to explore themes of healing, vulnerability, and growth.

The album’s sound blends dreamy synths with introspective lyrics, reflecting her new headspace. It went on to earn a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album, proving that fans connected with this refreshed version of Ariana.

Eternal Sunshine isn’t just another chart-topper; it’s a portrait of artistic rebirth.

Balancing acting and music in a new way

Grande is finding a new rhythm that keeps both her passions alive.

With her Eternal Sunshine tour officially on the way, she’s embracing live performance again, this time with more balance and intention.

Instead of rushing back into the non-stop pop cycle, she’s taking control of her pace. She’s said that being on stage is something she’s missed deeply, but she’s now approaching it with joy and freedom, not pressure.

This tour feels less like a return to routine and more like a celebration of growth. It’s proof that Grande’s new era isn’t about chasing numbers; it’s about reconnecting with meaning and creating moments that truly matter.

Why it matters for her fans and pop culture

For fans, this isn’t just another album drop; it’s a reset for Grande.

Many artists hit creative burnout, but few speak so openly about it. Her willingness to share how Wicked rekindled her spark gives her artistry new emotional depth.

In the pop world, her story also carries a bigger message. Reinvention doesn’t always mean reinvention of sound; sometimes it’s about rediscovering purpose. Grande’s evolution from pop powerhouse to multidimensional performer mirrors a broader trend of artists choosing fulfillment over fame.

What to expect next

Grande’s next moves feel thoughtful, not rushed.

With Wicked: For Good set to premiere in late 2025 and her Eternal Sunshine tour launching in 2026, she’s balancing film promotion with a return to the stage.

This moment marks a rare harmony between her acting and music careers. Rather than rushing, she’s pacing herself with purpose, embracing projects that inspire her and audiences alike. Fans, lovingly known as “Arianators,” are thrilled to see her thriving in both worlds while keeping her focus on longevity and joy.

The emotional takeaway

Grande’s journey back to music feels deeply human.

She’s not the same teenager who debuted on Nickelodeon, nor the pop phenomenon who dominated charts with “Thank U, Next.” This version of Ariana is calmer, wiser, and ready to embrace music with the same wonder she had at the beginning.

Her story is a powerful reminder that losing your spark doesn’t mean it’s gone forever. Sometimes it just takes a new chapter, or in her case, a new role, to reignite it. And as she steps into this next phase, fans are witnessing not just a comeback, but a creative homecoming.

TL;DR

• Ariana Grande says starring in Wicked reignited her passion for music.
• She almost stopped making albums before filming the movie.
• Playing Glinda helped her reconnect with her creativity and gut instincts.
• Her album Eternal Sunshine grew out of that inspiration and earned a Grammy nomination.
• Grande is now prioritizing meaningful artistry and balance over nonstop fame.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.