Ariana Grande's Divorce Drama Fuels Powerful Wicked Performance

Ariana Grande, 32, has been praised for her powerful performance as Glinda in the upcoming Wicked movies, which were filmed simultaneously. However, the actress was going through a personal divorce while on set, adding an extra layer of emotion to her Oscar-nominated role.

According to director Jon M. Chu, Grande's real-life struggles actually enhanced her portrayal of the Good Witch. "I got to watch her on days be upset in her real life and have to open up even more to deliver [even] for us," Chu revealed. "She was not hiding anything from this camera."

In July 2023, Grande and her 30-year-old husband Dalton Gomez filed for divorce, just two months after news of their separation broke. Sources say the pair were "taking their time together to slowly work through the details of the agreement privately" and remained "caring and respectful" throughout the process.

Despite the personal turmoil, Grande has since moved on with her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater. A source close to the couple says "it's a very normal relationship" and that Grande "loves being with [Ethan]." The pair have kept their romance under wraps, but Slater showed his support for Grande's recent MTV VMA wins from afar.

As for the Wicked movies, director Chu is hopeful that fans will appreciate the "extra meat" in the second installment, where Grande and co-star Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, truly shine as actors. Chu promises a few surprises are in store for audiences when the films are released.