Is Glinda Gay? Ariana Grande Says Her Wicked Character ‘Might Be a Little in the Closet’
Pink goes good with green, but according to Ariana Grande, Glinda the Good Witch might be vibing with all the colors of the rainbow. During the Wicked star’s recent press tour, she addressed the question Gelphie shippers have been asking for years: is Glinda gay?
Related: Is Wicked a Prequel to The Wizard of Oz? The Answer Isn’t As Straightforward As It Seems
The conversation came up during an interview with Gay Times, where Grande opened up about her thoughts on Glinda’s sexuality and the overall queerness of Oz. “Every day in the Emerald City is a Pride parade,” she said, going on to joke, “even the chickens… those chickens are gay.”
But she took a more serious note when discussing Glinda’s relationship with Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo). “They provide such a safe space for one another, which is what all relationships should be,” Grande shared. Then, with a thoughtful pause, she added, “So, you know, whether it’s romantic or platonic—Glinda might be a little in the closet—but if there were a time, you never know. Give it a little more time.” She emphasized that their connection “is just a true love and I think that transcends sexuality.”
The chemistry between Glinda and Elphaba has long captured fans’ imaginations, leading many to ship the pair romantically. Erivo addressed this interpretation, telling Gay Times, “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with celebrating the deep connection that both of them have,” she explained. “I think they do have a real relationship, it is true love, which is probably why people are shipping it because what they build with each other is an unbreakable bond.”
Even Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda on Wicked on Broadway, seemed to validate Grande’s interpretation. Commenting on an E! News Instagram post about Grande’s comments, Chenoweth revealed, “I thought so too way back when….”
The conversation didn’t stop with Glinda and Elphaba. Grande also pointed out other characters she sees as part of Oz’s potentially queer community, particularly Peter Dinklage’s Dr. Dillamond, who she called a “gay icon.” She gushed, “I mean, Dr. Dillamond in that Bode cardigan… Let’s talk about it. Let’s just talk for a minute about him and his custom tea device as well. With his tea and his cardigan, I’m just throwing it out there!”
Wicked is now playing in theaters across the United States, inviting viewers to defy gravity–and perhaps a few stereotypes along the way.
