Member-only story
Unlimited: How Ariana Grande Became Glinda and Achieved Her Wicked Dream Role
Reportedly, Ariana Grande heard about the Wicked project four years before production began and knew she wanted to play Glinda.
At the time, she wasn’t considered a fit. Her voice was “too pop star,” and a Broadway sound wasn’t in her repertoire.
Most people would have accepted that feedback and let defeat discourage them. But not Ariana. Instead, she got to work. She began Broadway training and put herself in the running when auditions opened.
She auditioned four times.
She faced rejection four times. But she didn’t let it deter her.
But she didn’t quit. Her courage and determination were unwavering.
She trained to become the version of herself who would deserve the dream.
After years of preparation, persistence, and belief, she got the role of her dreams — on her fifth audition.
There are many lessons in this story. Let’s break them down one by one:
