AceShowbiz - Ariana Grande's intense desire to play Glinda the Good Witch in "Wicked" was such that she believed she might have ended up in an insane asylum if she hadn't gotten the role. To prepare, she underwent months of vocal and acting training. Despite her fame, director Jon M. Chu was initially skeptical of Grande's ability to carry the role, but her audition impressed him beyond measure.

"Vocally, it's very different for me than what I usually sing, so I started training every single day with my vocal coach for two-and-a-half, three months before my first audition, and my acting coach. I just wanted to be prepared to use any tool needed whatever was asked, I wanted to be able to drop in and do it and really become her," Grande said during a panel Sunday, November 10 in Hollywood following a screening of the film. "I gave my everything to it and paused everything else."

The "Side to Side" hitmaker added that she worked hard to get the role. "I just kind of worked as hard as I could and let the rest fall into place. I do think, though, if it hadn't happened, I might have ended up in an insane asylum, so there's that," she revealed.

Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, met beforehand and formed a strong bond. Grande was initially nervous but was reassured by Erivo's warmth. They made a pact to support each other throughout the process. Grande emphasized the importance of earning the role and not relying on her pop stardom. She was determined to disappear into the character and not make it about herself.

While Grande had seen "Wicked" on Broadway multiple times and had an emotional connection to the soundtrack, she recognized the unique skill set required for the role. She believed her pop persona could have hindered her, but she was determined to prove her abilities. Inspired by Kristin Chenoweth's support and guidance, Grande dedicated herself to the audition.

Despite her enthusiasm to cancel her tour to focus on Wicked, Grande's management wisely advised against it. However, she knew Glinda was the role she was meant to play. When Chenoweth gave her blessing, Grande was overwhelmed with emotion. The first part of the highly anticipated Wicked movie, co-starring Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh, will hit theaters on November 22.