Ariana Grande Thinks Her ‘Wicked’ Character Glinda ‘Might Be a Little in the Closet’
As people eagerly rush to theaters to go see Wicked, Ariana Grande is giving a few fans something else to latch onto as they head into the new movie.
In a new interview with Gay Times, Grande revealed that she thinks there might be some truth to the “Gelphie” fandom — a community of Wicked die-hards who believe that leading characters Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Grande) may have been more than just friends.
More from Billboard
“Whether it’s romantic or platonic, or you know … maybe Glinda might be a little in the closet,” Grande said. “But if there were a time? Y’know, you never know! Give it a little time! I mean, it is just a true love. And I think that transcends sexuality, it’s just kind of a deep safety within each other. And that’s why they probably ship it.”
Erivo — who identifies as queer — concurred with Grande’s opinion, adding that her interpretation of Elphaba certainly experiences some sense of sexual fluidity. “I think Elphie … she goes wherever the wind goes,” she said. “I think she loves Glinda, I think she loves love. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with celebrating the deep connection that both of them have … it’s a relationship, it is true love.”
Grande isn’t the only Glinda actress who thinks the Good Witch might be queer. In a comment under an Instagram post sharing Grande’s quote about her character, Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the role in 2003, said, “I thought so too way back when….”
The news comes just after the film finally hit theaters, prompting both of its stars to reflect on their journeys to the big screen over on their Instagram accounts. In her post, Erivo thanked the team that made the film possible, especially singling out Grande. “I love you. You are the truest, kindest, human being,” she wrote. “It has been an honor to share this experience of a lifetime with you.”
Grande, meanwhile, took a moment to thank her fans for their “patience” with her while she “disappeared” into the role of Glinda. “i know that was hard for you all. i want to thank you for your fierce protection, your passion, and your ability to see me and love me as i evolve alongside all of you,” she wrote on her Instagram Stories.
See the clip of Grande and Erivo talking about the “Gelphie” theory below:
Best of Billboard
Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Solve the daily Crossword
