Wicked: Watch UNSEEN Footage From Ariana Grande's Audition (Exclusive)

Check out ET's exclusive look at footage of Ariana Grande's 'Wicked' audition and the moments she and Cynthia Erivo learned they would be Glinda and Elphaba from director Jon Chu. 'Wicked' will be available to rent or buy on digital Dec. 31.

[TrevJ]

To see a mega superstar like Ariana Grande relishing over a role as if she was an unknown actress getting her first big break is wholesome af. It really humanizes her. Bcuz without this role she’s still a super rich, successful, and famous pop star who doesn’t need this at all. But regardless of her success, she still approached it like this was her one shot at making it big; it really meant that much to her! Well deserved.

[MたいしS]

They were so grateful. They deserved those roles. They worked so hard and it paid off.

[strshp]

"they're the same size" GOT ME CRYING LMAO

[andydv]

Ariana and Cynthia were honestly so perfect. I could not have seen anyone else playing Glinda or Elphaba. Jon Chu really ATE with Wicked. I've already seen Wicked twice in theaters and both times were fantastic!!!!

[AM-yncq]

I have to admit, I was a bit doubtful at first, but now I can’t imagine anyone else playing Glinda but Ariana.

[wateryourcermet]

0:23 “overcoming her own shadow” … I’ve seen soooo many people saying they thought she was a horrible decision but she surprised them and they thought she was perfect for the role.

She’s such a huge star and had to become someone else entirely, someone completely separate from her existing fan base and what made her famous. And she did it. She is not Ariana performing as Glinda. She is Glinda.

That… incredible talent. That is something that other actors spend their ENTIRE CAREERS AND LIVES trying to do. Separate themselves from a particular role, genre, or expectation.

And she did it here.

[purplequokka]

I just saw the extended toss toss scene and wow I finally understand what John meant when he said that during the auditions Ariana was always the most interesting person in the room. The way she plays with Glinda is something like when you have a favorite character and you daydream of talking to them and YOU make up their lines and yours. I can tell by her characterization how much she adores Glinda as a kid and as she grew up.

[bootsnake]

And she did take care of her. Excellent job from both ladies!

[UwU.Leah]

“I love her so much, I’m gonna take such good care of her😭 🩷” 1:08 was so cute of Ari omg and she took care of Glinda so well 😭

[Jeremyguy]

They were spot on when choosing Ariana and Cynthia to play Glinda and Elphaba, after watching the movie I literally can’t picture anyone else playing the roles.

[yadayada]

the fact that they both were so happy to the point of crying when receiving the offer 🥺 im so glad they went to people who cherish these characters on a deeper level

[londonpurvis]

I’m not even a massive fan of Ariana (just not my style of music) but as a long time fan of Wicked, she was so perfect for this role. Her natural perkiness, covering a soft vulnerability underneath, was so perfect for Glinda.

[JohnSo]

"Im gonna take care of her" was the first thing she blurted out. She was really meaning it. And she gave her all, and gurl YOU SERVED. This Glinda has instantly become her own way of iconic together with the original. We are all still reeling by your performance 👏

[nikonikoniko]

ariana is seriously impressive because if I were a pop star for 10 years or so- im not sure if id have it in me to fight for roles or fight for a casting. It’s impressive that she still has that fire and passion in her. Shes made for the stardom

[fierriefiles]

I saw the movie yesterday and I cried twice. It's when they were looking at each other without exchanging words. They nailed the roles and they have great chemistry. People are just looking for something to criticize. So much hate was thrown at them. Americans are mean.

[Daslickflip]

The fact they wanted to cast unknown people but Cynthia and Ari gave them no choice but to change their mind and cast them really says something.
I get not wanting an artists star power to overshadow the actual project but seeing and hearing Cynthia and Ari on screen in these roles just felt absolutely right

[mermaidtingzzz]

Just saw the movie and seeing their emotional responses to EARNING these roles, is clear this production was destined for greatness from the start. This is a production that displays true talent, skill, dedication and grit! Honestly, I felt like I needed someone like this at this time in my life. Looking forward to exploring Mr. Chu’s previous work!

[craelaa]

"I'm going to take such good care of her" always makes me cry! i love her so much!

[hellofriend]

You can tell how much they wanted the roles of talent ! Cynthia was already known for her musical theatre talent so I’m not surprised there, her performance on Harriet was amazing !! And I’m so proud seeing how are really tried hard and really wanted the role because of pure talent !

[wreck.create.MAK]

Cool to see mega stars be so humble and grateful. The audition process is so humbling for anyone