Kristin Chenoweth; Ariana Grande.Photo: David Livingston/Getty; Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty
Kristin Chenowethcouldn’t have been happier — and more emotional! — to learn aboutAriana Grande’s casting in theWickedfilm adaptation.
On Wednesday’s episode of theTodayshow, theBroadwayveteran toldSavannah Guthrieshe couldn’t be happier about Grande taking on the role of Glinda the Good Witch, which Chenoweth, 53, originated on the Broadway stage back in 2003.
“I love her so much; I’ve known her since she was 10,” said the star of Grande, 28. “I think that crown and wand are going to the exact correct person. AndI think she’s gonna nail it.”
Chenoweth also praised the"7 Rings"singer for being “really, really funny” — a trait that will come in handy for the fun-loving character.
“Glinda has to do funny and drama — she has to do it all. And sing high and sing low. And so, there’s the girl,” she said, admitting of hearing Grande’s casting about the part, “I did cry when she got it.”
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Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty; Universal Stage Production; Rich Fury/Getty Images
Chenowethcongratulated Grande forher upcoming stint as Glinda on Instagram amid the news of her casting, sharing ablack-and-white throwback photoof herself and the pop star, along with Grande’s grandmother, Marjorie, after a performance ofWicked.
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This past December, Chenoweth revealed onThe Kelly Clarkson Showthat she and Grande havegone on double dates together.
“We’ve had some dates — well, not as a couple, which, there’s nothing wrong with that — but with other partners,” said theTony Awardwinner.
Chenoweth explained that they keep things low-key while out with their respective significant others, adding, “We like bowling, we like truffle pizza from Craig’s here in L.A.”
Wickedwasinitially set for releaseon Dec. 22, 2021, but it was pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic. In February,John M. Chuconfirmed he wasset to direct the musical film.
source: people.com
