Drawn to Glinda: How Ariana Grande Brought Pink Beyond the Fairy Tale

The magical universe of Wicked goes far beyond the land of Oz. When the first part of the film adaptation finally hit theaters in 2024, it wasn’t just the story that captivated audiences — it was the visual language, the emotion, and most notably, the fashion transformation of Ariana Grande as Glinda.

The singer and actress didn’t just play the Good Witch. She embodied her — through voice, style, presence, and a wardrobe that redefined modern femininity. Ariana’s Glinda is not just charming. She’s a living, breathing aesthetic.

Pink with intention

Even before being officially cast, Ariana was preparing herself. “I had a section of my closet just for pink tops… just in case I got the role of a lifetime,” she said in a recent interview. And she did.

Pink, a color often seen as soft and sweet, takes on a new energy in Wicked. Under the hands of the film’s costume designer, and on Ariana’s body — it becomes armor, elegance, and silent strength. Glamour, in this version, is about nuance rather than exaggeration.

A voice that became part of the look

But the transformation wasn’t only physical. Ariana revealed that the high-pitched tone she crafted for Glinda has lingered in her voice off-screen. “Some things might not melt away. I’m really grateful for the parts of her that will stay with me forever.”

Her whispery, angelic tone became part of Glinda’s charm — a softness that still holds power. In fashion terms, it’s like wearing silk that commands a room without shouting. A detail that becomes signature.

Fashion through full immersion

To fully embrace Glinda, Ariana paused her music career. “I gave it everything. I paused everything else. I really wanted this. I think if I hadn’t done that, I might’ve ended up in a mental hospital,” she confessed.

This level of emotional commitment translated to her costumes. The looks are more than beautiful, they carry weight. Layers of tulle, organza, crystal embroidery, and structured silhouettes speak of lightness, perfection, and the pressure of being seen as “good.”

Glinda is about connection

In another interview, Ariana shared something deeply personal. “What resonates with me most in Glinda is her desire to constantly improve… it feels a bit like my relationship with my fans over the years.”

Glinda isn’t just a role. She’s a bridge. A reflection of vulnerability, growth, and connection, and there is nothing more fashionable than authenticity.

Editorial moodboard: when fashion feels like magic

With Wicked: Part Two set for release in November 2025, the visual influence of the saga is far from over. We can already feel it, in upcoming collections, beauty campaigns, and moodboards whispering of magic.

Think pastel pinks, romantic volumes, soft sparkle, and a theatrical femininity. It’s about floating rather than forcing. Like Ariana showed us, style can be subtle and still unforgettable.