How Ariana Grande Manifested Her Dream Role as Glinda
Did Ariana Grande actually manifest the role of Glinda in Wicked?
Yes. Ariana didn’t “just get cast” — she chose Glinda as her dream role in childhood, declared it publicly, lived as if it were already hers, and trained like someone who knew she’d one day float down in that bubble.
- Childhood intention after seeing Wicked on Broadway
- 2011 tweet claiming Glinda as her dream role
- “Acting as if” with her pink Glinda closet and daily embodiment
- Years of vocal and acting training specifically for the score
- Unshakable belief through a decade of delays and uncertainty
A Childhood Dream Ignited in Oz
Ariana Grande’s journey to Glinda the Good Witch began long before she ever set foot on a movie set. As a young “theater kid” from Boca Raton, Florida, she fell in love with the musical Wicked and quietly set a powerful intention: one day, she would be Glinda. Her connection to the show was almost fated. At just 10 years old, Ariana saw Wicked on Broadway with her grandmother and even met Kristin Chenoweth (the original Glinda). Backstage, Chenoweth gifted little Ariana “a little magical body wash” and “a little wand,” joking “I think it was magical because look at where we are now!”. Ariana later said that seeing Wicked for the first time “permanently altered” her; she divides her life into “two chapters: before and after seeing Wicked”. It’s as if that childhood encounter sprinkled the first seeds of manifestation – a sparkling vision of herself on the Emerald City stage.
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What if your childhood obsession was never random, but a roadmap from the universe? In this episode, we break down how Ariana Grande didn’t just get cast as Glinda by chance — she became Glinda years before the audition ever existed.
Fast forward to her teen years, and Ariana’s Broadway dreams took a detour through television. In 2010, she landed a role on Nickelodeon’s Victorious, becoming a red-headed sitcom star. But even as she grew into a pop sensation with powerhouse vocals, Ariana’s heart stayed tethered to musical theater. She made her Broadway debut at 14 in the musical 13 and openly declared performing as her lifelong passion. While fans around the world knew her as a chart-topping singer, Ariana quietly nurtured that Wicked dream in the background. This wasn’t a passing whim or a casual “someday” fantasy – it was a long-game desire she held onto for years, even decades.
In fact, Ariana publicly affirmed her dream early on. Way back in 2011, an 18-year-old Ariana tweeted after seeing Wicked again: “Loved seeing Wicked again… made me realize how badly I want 2 play Glinda at some point in my life! #DreamRole”. That tweet would resurface thirteen years later like a prophecy fulfilled. She spoke it, put it in writing, and released that intention into the universe – a bold act of manifestation. This was no overnight wish, but a vision Ariana nurtured from her Nickelodeon days in 2011 to the moment she finally donned Glinda’s pink gown in 2023.
Acting “As If” – Becoming Glinda Before She Got the Part
One of the most magical manifestation techniques Ariana employed was “acting as if” – essentially being the Glinda she wanted to become, long before any audition materialized. She didn’t just wish for the role; she prepared for it on an identity level. In a candid behind-the-scenes clip, Ariana revealed that during the audition process she went “full method” off-camera with her wardrobe and mindset. “I had a little portion of my closet that was all just little pink tops and stuff, just in case [I landed the role],” she admits. Every day, she would dress with Glinda in mind – even down to invisible details that no casting director would ever see. “I was like, ‘What underwear would Glinda wear today?’” Ariana joked, demonstrating how completely she immersed herself in the character’s aura.
This playful yet profound tactic is manifestation 101: embody the energy of what you desire. By literally wearing Glinda’s signature color (that iconic bubblegum pink) and imagining herself as the character, Ariana was aligning her vibration with her goal. In spiritual terms, she was living in the “end state” – behaving as the version of herself who already was Glinda. It’s a perfect example of the law of attraction in action: “you don’t attract what you want, you attract what you are.” Grande became Glinda in her daily life, and the universe eventually had to reflect that reality back to her.
This level of commitment might sound whimsical, but it’s the kind of identity-level alignment that serious manifestors talk about. Some might even call it quantum casting – casting yourself in the role you desire within your own imagination, until the 3D world catches up. Ariana didn’t treat Glinda as a distant dream; she consistently showed up as Glinda in thought, energy, and even fashion choices. That sent a clear message to life: I am ready to step into this role.
Holding the Vision Through the “Long Game”
One striking aspect of Ariana’s manifesting journey is just how long she held this vision. In an era of instant gratification, she demonstrated rare patience and persistence. Years before the Wicked film was even greenlit, Ariana was planting seeds and knocking on doors. She has described Glinda as a “dream role” for as long as anyone can remember. In fact, she humorously admitted, “I had been chasing [producer] Marc Platt down for about 10 years, wondering when this movie was going to happen, when I would have the opportunity to audition.”. This reveals an important truth about manifestation: a dream this big may not unfold overnight, but unwavering focus and not giving up can eventually move mountains.
Let’s put this in perspective. In 2013 – a full decade before she would sing “Popular” on film – Ariana was already sure of who she was meant to play. Asked in an interview which witch role she’d prefer, the teenaged Grande didn’t hesitate: “Glinda, for sure... I think I’m more of a Glinda.”. She claimed it in advance, even noting that while Elphaba might have the showier songs, her own essence resonated with Glinda’s character. By boldly stating “I’m more of a Glinda,” Ariana was essentially affirming her identity as the good witch – a declaration that would echo through the years.
Even as time went by and Ariana’s career exploded in other directions (platinum albums, world tours, a stint as a TV talent judge), she never lost sight of this goal. She mentioned Wicked in interviews, sang Wicked songs at specials, and kept that pink section of her closet ready. In February 2019 – still before any official movie news – Ariana got emotional on the Zach Sang Show discussing her passion for Wicked. “I don’t want to talk about it because I’m gonna cry,” she said, confessing she’d do “anything” to play a lead in Wicked. She even quipped, “I would stand outside the producers’ studio with coffee every morning, begging to sing ‘Defying Gravity’ for them.”. Though half-joking, that persistence wasn’t far from reality: she truly was ready to do whatever it took.
The Wicked film itself had a long journey (development hell and delays), but Ariana’s faith in her dream never wavered. This is a key manifestation lesson: hold your vision steadfastly, even when external timing is uncertain. There were likely moments of doubt or “Is this ever going to happen?” – yet Ariana kept believing, preparing, and waiting for the right alignment. Her story underscores that manifestation is often a marathon, not a sprint. The universe might test your commitment by making you wait, but Ariana’s decade-long persistence shows that patience and belief can pay off in miraculous ways.
She didn’t wait for the crown — she chose the state. Cleopatra Unveiled reveals the queen’s code of focus, frequency, and sovereign decision, so you walk into every room as the oracle of your own destiny.
Aligned Action: Preparation Meets Opportunity
While Ariana’s journey involved plenty of wishing on stars, it also involved boots-on-the-ground work. Manifestation isn’t just daydreaming in a vacuum; it’s about taking aligned action whenever you can. Ariana understood this deeply. As soon as she heard whispers that the Wicked film casting was finally ramping up, she leapt into action: “As soon as I heard that maybe in a few months they might start seeing people, I was like, ‘Great! Now’s the time – I’m starting.’” she said. What “starting” meant for Ariana was intense preparation to be the perfect Glinda candidate.
She trained rigorously to ensure she was ready when the audition call came. “Vocally, it’s very different for me than what I usually sing,” Ariana noted of the Wicked score, “so I started training every single day with my vocal coach for two-and-a-half, three months before my first audition, and [also with] my acting coach.”. She treated the future audition like an Olympic event, honing her soprano range and acting chops daily. “I just wanted to be prepared to use any tool needed… I gave my everything to it and paused everything else.”. This level of dedication is extraordinary – she put her music projects and other opportunities on hold, laser-focused on one goal. It’s as though she stepped into the timeline where this role was hers and made decisions from that mindset.
Notably, Ariana even prepared material beyond what was required. In her first audition, she not only sang Glinda’s songs (“No One Mourns the Wicked” and “Popular”) but also tackled Elphaba’s iconic numbers “Defying Gravity” and “The Wizard and I”. She was going above and beyond, showing the casting team the full extent of her abilities and her passion for the show. Even the director, Jon M. Chu, admitted he was initially hesitant about casting a pop superstar in such an beloved role – “In my head, I was like, ‘We’re never giving this to Ariana Grande. That’ll take over the movie.’” he recalled. But Ariana’s audition dissolved his doubts. “Every time she came in, she was an Ari that I’d never seen before. And every time she left, she was the most interesting person,” Chu said, describing how Grande essentially transformed in front of them. By the time auditions were done, any preconceived notions had melted away – Ariana earned the part by showing up as the very best, most authentic Glinda she could be.
This is a powerful reminder: when an opportunity for your dream appears, meet it with everything you’ve got. Ariana’s preparation met her opportunity, and magic ensued. Her story is a testament that manifestation isn’t about wishful thinking alone – it’s about matching your actions to your intention. She dreamed of being a great Glinda, so she actively became one through training and mindset. When you align behavior with belief, you create an unstoppable momentum.
Full-Circle Moment: Dreams, Tears & “Coming Home”
Landing the role of Glinda wasn’t just another job for Ariana – it was a soul-stirring, full-circle moment. When she finally got the news in late 2021 (via a Zoom call from Jon Chu, which she later shared snippets of on social media with the caption “Thank goodness”), Ariana burst into tears of joy. All those years of envisioning and effort had culminated in reality. It felt surreal, even though in a sense she had been rehearsing this in her mind forever. On her very first day on set, filming her opening scene, Ariana was overwhelmed with emotion: “All I remember was holding hands with Cynthia [Erivo] and Jon and crying. And Jon saying, ‘Welcome to Wicked,’” she told Variety. Imagine hearing those words after holding a dream for 15+ years – truly magical.
In interviews leading up to the movie’s release, Ariana’s genuine gratitude and spiritual fulfillment are palpable. She even chose to credit herself as “Ariana Grande-Butera” in the film (honoring her family name), which she hadn’t done in years. Explaining why, Ariana teared up and said this project “fulfilled a childhood dream” and “helped me come home to little Ari.”. “Maybe little pieces of her got lost along the way in this crazy industry. I’m so grateful for the ways in which this experience led me back,” she shared through tears. For someone who became a massive star in pop music – a world often far removed from childhood innocence – Wicked was a reconnection to her purest self, the theatre-loving girl who fell in love with storytelling and song. It’s as if the role of Glinda acted as a healing homecoming, reuniting Ariana with the part of her spirit that first dreamed this dream.
The emotional payoff of manifesting a long-held desire can be profound. In Ariana’s case, stepping into Glinda’s shoes was not just an acting gig, but a personal and almost spiritual triumph. She joked that if it hadn’t happened “I might have ended up in an insane asylum” – a hyperbolic way to convey just how much it meant to her sanity and happiness. She poured her heart into every take, singing live on set alongside Cynthia Erivo, insisting on authenticity in every performance. By the last day of filming, Ariana admits she “broke down in tears” inside Glinda’s famous bubble, overcome with gratitude and relief, even calling her therapist to process the magnitude of the moment. This wasn’t just making a movie; it was the climax of a vision she had nourished for years.
Kristin Chenoweth – who had given Ariana that toy wand as a kid – recognized the poetry in the moment too. The original Glinda has been a mentor figure to Ariana, exchanging “so many” voice notes during production that Chenoweth’s phone ran out of storage. When asked about passing the torch (or wand) to Ariana, Chenoweth said graciously, “It’s their wand and their broom now.”. For Ariana, to have her idol’s blessing and to stand in that spotlight was truly a dream made real. It’s the kind of story that gives you chills – the stuff of fairy tales, yet manifested through very real intention, effort, and faith.
Manifestation Lessons from Ariana’s Wicked Journey
Ariana Grande’s path to manifesting her Wicked dream role holds inspiring lessons for anyone reaching for their own “Emerald City.” Here are some key takeaways from her story:
- Declare Your Dream Boldly: Ariana wasn’t shy about voicing her desire. She tweeted it to the world in 2011 and mentioned it in interviews years before it came true. Claim your dream and let the universe (and people around you) know what you really want. You never know who might help you or what doors will open when you speak it into existence.
- “Act As If” and Embody the Vision: Don’t just wish – become. Ariana literally dressed in character, imagining herself as Glinda each day. Whatever your goal is, find ways to act like it’s already yours. Align your lifestyle, habits, and even wardrobe or environment with the reality you’re creating. This raises your frequency to match your desire.
- Hold the Vision (No Matter How Long It Takes): Big dreams can require patience. It took over a decade for Ariana’s intention to manifest fully. During that time she never stopped believing or preparing. Trust that delays aren’t denials – the universe might just be aligning the perfect timing. Stay focused and don’t settle for lesser things if your heart is set on a particular prize.
- Take Aligned Action: Manifestation is a dance between belief and action. When opportunities arose (or even hinted), Ariana leapt in with both feet – training for auditions, clearing her schedule, lobbying for the part. Meet the universe halfway by doing your part. Develop your skills, show up, and say yes to chances that inch you closer to your goal.
- Become What You Want to Attract: This goes hand-in-hand with identity. Ariana succeeded in part because she embodied the qualities of Glinda – dedication, optimism, talent, and a theatrical spirit. In the broader sense, this reflects the principle that “you attract what you are”. Work on yourself and become a vibrational match to your dream. When you are the person who naturally “fits” your dream, that dream finds its way to you almost inevitably.
- Stay Authentic and Heart-Centered: Even as she strategized and worked hard, Ariana’s driving force was genuine love – for Wicked, for performing, for that little girl inside who held the dream. She allowed herself to be vulnerable (crying happy tears, openly cherishing the experience) and kept her soul in the process. The best manifestations are those that bring you home to yourself, not those that require you to lose yourself.
Ariana Grande’s manifesting story is a potent blend of magic and moxie. It shows that long-term manifestation isn’t always a smooth, instant enchantment – it can be a test of endurance, faith, and unwavering self-belief. From a pink-clad teenager “acting as if” in her bedroom, to a world-renowned artist sobbing with gratitude on set, Ariana’s journey proves that our deepest desires can materialize when we align every level of our being with that vision. It’s the classic hero’s journey with a metaphysical twist: believe in your dream with all your heart, prepare for it like it’s coming tomorrow, and one day you just might find yourself “popular” in the exact way you always hoped.
In the end, Ariana’s Wicked tale echoes a universal truth found in many manifestation stories (see also the remarkable reinvention of Lindsay Lohan’s career through identity shift, as explored in Lindsay Lohan: Manifestation, Fame, and the Alchemy of Identity). Change your self-concept, and you change your world. Grande decided she was Glinda long before anyone else did – and eventually, reality caught up. From Nickelodeon to the Emerald City, her life came full circle. ✨ Dreams really do come true, but as Glinda might say, you’ve “got to be Popular” – popular with yourself, in seeing yourself as the star of your own story. So take a page from Ariana’s spellbook: dare to dream, dare to become, and watch how life transforms in the most “wonderful” way.
Sources: Ariana’s journey and quotes are documented in interviews and media coverage, including People Magazine, Entertainment Tonight/Morning Honey, her 2011 Twitter post via The Tonight Show, and her own reflections on manifesting this role. Her story exemplifies the manifestation principle that we attract what we embody – a theme seen in other celeb journeys of transformation. Grande’s Wicked dream-come-true is not just a feel-good Hollywood tale, but a shining case study in long-term manifestation and the alchemy of identity.
FAQ on Ariana Grande Manifesting her Glinda Role
This is manifestation in real time. Ariana didn’t just “get lucky” in casting. She declared Glinda as her dream role, aligned her life around it, acted as if for years, trained like an athlete, and stayed committed through delays and uncertainty. Her belief, preparation, and timing fused into the exact outcome she envisioned.
The Glinda dream ignited in childhood. After seeing Wicked on Broadway around age ten and meeting Kristin Chenoweth backstage, Ariana split her life into “before Wicked” and “after Wicked.” From that point on, Glinda wasn’t a casual wish — it was a soul-level intention that followed her from theatre kid to global superstar.
In 2011, teenage Ariana tweeted that she badly wanted to play Glinda one day. That tweet is more than fandom — it’s written spellwork. She spoke the desire, put it in writing, and released it publicly. In manifestation terms, that’s a clear, time-stamped energetic order placed with the universe.
Ariana didn’t just visualize Glinda — she lived her. She created a Glinda-inspired pink section in her closet, dressed with the character in mind, and even joked about choosing “what underwear Glinda would wear.” That’s embodiment: upgrading your wardrobe, posture, and attitude so your body and environment match the role you’re calling in.
Over a decade. From that first Broadway performance, through her Nickelodeon era, early pop stardom, and multiple albums, the Glinda vision never left. She spoke about it in 2011, referenced it in interviews, and still cried talking about Wicked in 2019 — years before filming. This was a long-game manifestation, not an overnight miracle.
Instead of giving up, she stayed close to the energy of the show. She sang Wicked songs, kept talking about her dream role, and continued developing her craft. She “held the frequency” even when the timeline was unclear — a core manifestation skill: trusting the vision while the logistics work themselves out behind the scenes.
When casting whispers finally surfaced, Ariana snapped into action. She trained her voice every day for months, worked with acting and vocal coaches, paused other projects, and treated the audition like a once-in-a-lifetime Olympic event. This is the bridge between magic and mastery: she didn’t just wish — she prepared like the role was already hers.
That closet was a physical altar to her future self. Every pink top was a quiet reminder: “I am Glinda.” In manifestation, the objects around you can either anchor your old identity or your new one. Ariana chose to surround herself with visual cues that affirmed her desired role daily.
Landing Glinda was a full-circle homecoming. It validated years of inner work, affirmed her younger self’s dream, and reconnected her with the theatre kid who fell in love with Wicked. Those tears weren’t just happiness — they were relief, gratitude, and the emotional release of a long-held vision finally landing in 3D.
She didn’t operate from “I hope they pick me.” She moved from “I am Glinda; life is catching up.” That subtle but radical identity shift changed how she trained, dressed, spoke, and showed up in auditions. In manifestation language: she lived from the end, and reality eventually mirrored that decision back to her.
Her path is a masterclass in long-term creation: declare your dream clearly, honor it publicly, keep honing your craft, let your environment reflect your future identity, and stay with the vision even when it looks “impossible.” This is how you magnetize the exact rooms and opportunities you’re meant for.
Ariana’s story shows that delayed does not mean denied. Some desires are destiny-level; they require a longer runway. Your job is to keep becoming the person who naturally lives that reality — emotionally, creatively, and professionally — while trusting that right timing is part of the spell.
Choose one dream and ask: “If this were already true, how would I dress, speak, spend my time, and invest my energy?” Then start living that way now. Update your wardrobe, routines, playlists, workspace — let your 3D world begin to look like the future you’re calling in, just like Ariana’s pink Glinda closet.
Absolutely. Her journey blends mindset, emotion, and embodiment with intense work, training, and courageous decisions. Manifestation isn’t “sit back and hope” — it’s deciding who you are, aligning your habits with that identity, and taking brave, consistent action until the universe has no choice but to reflect you.
