Billy Corgan, frontman of The Smashing Pumpkins, recently praised Ariana Grande’s career transition on X (formerly Twitter).
Corgan highlighted Grande’s successful pivot from music to her starring role in the film adaptation of Wicked. He commended both her talent and commitment to the project.
“I have to say I’m so impressed by what Ariana Grande has done with her success in music in pivoting to this smashing success in Wicked,” Corgan said. “Her talent has never been in question, but the heart to commit to something so grand and timeless is what impresses me the most.”
Corgan’s endorsement reflects the widespread recognition Grande has earned for her transformative performance in the Wicked films. This marks a significant milestone in her career.
Grande is set to receive the prestigious Rising Star Award at the Palm Springs International Film Awards in January 2025 for her performance as Glinda, according to Digital Spy. Festival chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi praised Grande’s portrayal as elevating her “to new heights.” He emphasized that her seamless transition to film acting proves her to be “a multifaceted and undeniable talent.”
Grande’s role as Galinda Upland (later Glinda the Good Witch) in the 2024 film represents her first major starring role in a feature film. This is a significant milestone despite her extensive background as a Grammy-winning recording artist and performer. The first Wicked film became a massive commercial success, ranking as the fifth biggest film at the global box office in 2024, per Rotten Tomatoes. The movie has generated substantial Oscar buzz for both Grande and her co-star Cynthia Erivo, with the film receiving ten Oscar nominations.
Grande herself received an Oscar nomination for Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in Wicked. She has openly discussed her emotional connection to Glinda’s character, drawn particularly to the character’s emotional arc and her journey throughout the story, as reported by Indulge Express. The chemistry between Grande and Erivo has been particularly highlighted as a standout element of the films. Their on-screen dynamic has been described as having “dazzling chemistry that’s hard to miss.”
