AceShowbiz - In the highly anticipated movie adaptation of the Broadway classic "Wicked," Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda the Good Witch, showed an unwavering commitment to preserving the original essence of the character.

Composer Stephen Schwartz had proposed modernizing Glinda's iconic song "Popular" with a hip-hop twist, a notion Grande promptly dismissed. "Absolutely not, don't do it. I want to be Glinda, not Ariana Grande playing Glinda," she emphasized, striving to stay true to the beloved character's roots.

While Grande resisted turning "Popular" into hip-hop, she did embrace alterations that were faithful to Glinda's motivations. The song ended up with a new vocal ending that allowed Grande to hit an operatic high note; an adjustment that she accepted it after reassured that it stemmed from Glinda's character.

Director Jon M. Chu also faced creative challenges. He initially envisioned an extravagant closet sequence for Glinda, proposing a magical pink world filled with endless turns. Producer Marc Platt, however, rejected the idea, arguing that it would confuse viewers since Glinda lacks magical abilities. The team instead focused on a massive technical feat - creating an intricately detailed closet set brimming with unexpected mechanical marvels.

The production wasn't without its controversies. Rumors swirled online about a significant pay gap between Grande and co-star Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba. Allegedly, Grande received $15 million compared to Erivo's $1 million. Universal Pictures swiftly debunked these reports, asserting that the actresses were paid equally.

Despite the initial apprehensions, Grande's portrayal of Glinda has garnered praise, her dedication paying homage not only to Glinda but also to Kristin Chenoweth, the original Broadway performer. Choreographer Christopher Scott revealed that Grande incorporated subtle nods to Chenoweth's portrayal, showing her deep respect for the role's legacy.

Chu lauded Grande's transformation, noting her comedic timing and the depth of her character immersion.

"Wicked," which has already soared at the box office, reflects a harmonious blend of innovation and tradition, anchored by Grande's steadfast commitment to Glinda's authentic portrayal. The movie's success underscores the impact of honoring iconic legacies while embracing new artistic interpretations.