Ariana Grande x Kristin Chenoweth: Whose Glinda is better

The following contains spoilers for Wicked: Part 1, now playing in theatersWicked: Part 1 features some incredible performances, raising the question of how stars like Ariana Grande face off against Broadway legends like Kristin Chenoweth in their shared role as Galinda/Glinda. Glinda (originally known as Galinda) is a deceptively complicated role in Evil. She is the second most important character Evilserving as a comedic and tragic contrast to Elphaba’s evolution into the Wicked Witch. Glinda has to be funny and even antagonistic, but with a surprisingly big heart and a sense of loss.

The role was originated by Kristin Chenoweth, who was actually one of composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz’s inspirations for the character. Chenoweth remains the most iconic version of the character, but she finds new competition thanks to a genuinely fantastic performance from Ariane Grande in Jon M. Chu’s two-part film. Evil adaptation. Both benefited from their respective mediums, highlighting the small differences between their interpretations of the character. While they are both very good, there is one element that separates them and elevates one above the other.

Ariana Grande x Kristin Chenoweth: who gives the best Glinda performance

THE Evil Film gives Ariana Grande more space to explore Glinda’s hidden layers

Ariana Grande and Kristin Chenoweth give fantastic performances as Glinda/Galinda in Evilbut the enhanced focus afforded Grande thanks to the move into film gives her a slight edge over her co-star. Chenoweth and Grande bring a sweet touch to Galinda this makes her transformation from arrogant popular girl to Elphaba’s only true friend all the more tragic. Chenoweth’s take on the character from the original musical benefited from the theatrical setting, growing in a way that may be difficult to replicate on screen.

It was the little moments that really spoke to the characterlike her genuine surprise during “Popular” after seeing Elphaba in the mirror. Grande also manages to follow this approach, playing the big moments well, but standing out when the focus becomes more rigid and specific. This is one of the true benefits of Evil being adapted for the big screen, as the extended runtime gives Grande more room to let those sweet moments land. Both performances find real pathos in a potentially cartoonish character, but the film’s long runtime gives Grande more to play with.

Ariana Grande x Kristin Chenoweth: whose Glinda songs are better

Chenoweth’s great performances are full of distinct characters’ tics and tricks

Grande and Chenoweth share the same songs on both versions of Evilgiving the two artists a nice contrast to bounce off of. They both have a lot of experience in the music space, with both performers delivering impressive versions of their tracks. However, there is something to be said about Chenoweth’s ability to fuse characterization into her performance that no one can match. This is especially obvious in “Popular,” with which both actors do well.

However, even though Grande’s version of “Popular” is an upbeat, silly ode to a newfound friendship, Chenoweth is able to weave plenty of character-specific tics into the song. There’s a bit of the arrogant young woman coming through, disguised with light-hearted touches that enhance the comedic elements of the songs. There’s a confidence and bravado that suits the characteras well as a range of tones that Grande’s strong performance doesn’t match. Chenoweth is considered one of the best Broadway musical actors of the 21st century for a reason, and her Glinda proves it.

Ariana Grande x Kristin Chenoweth: Whose Glinda is funnier

Big is hilarious, but Chenoweth turns almost every line into a great joke

One of the things that makes Glinda such a fun role is the comedic elements that separate her from the more serious and tragic Elphaba. Glinda’s overconfidence is a key element of the character, especially in Act 1. Both Grande and Chenoweth give this aspect of the character their best, and both find different shades of hilarity in the process. In turn, Grande adapts well to outbursts of physical comedy and expressions of surprise.

Both Chenoweth and Grande bring an over-the-top edge to Glinda, but thanks to theater’s broader approach versus film’s more specific lens, Chenoweth played the comedy for bigger (and more effective) laughs. Glinda’s openly shy cuteness is taken to an extreme in Chenoweth’s performance, with the theatrics of the role taken to a hilarious extreme. Grande does very well with Glinda’s comedic beats, especially when countering someone like Fiyero and Pfannee. However, Chenoweth’s broad vision is a historically excellent comedic performanceand funnier overall.

Ariana Grande x Kristin Chenoweth: whose Glinda is more developed

The extended film adaptation gives Grande more room to develop Glinda

Although Wicked: Part 1 is very similar to Act 1 of the stage musical, Evil makes some changes to the adaptation process. The move from theater to film allows the film to draw more attention to the characters and their small interactions, something that benefits Grande’s performance immensely. As a character, Glinda has more time to develop as a character in the filmwith her clear sadness during “No One Mourns The Wicked” and outburst of empathy for Elphaba during “Dancing Through Life”, highlighting the character’s full depth.

That’s not to say Chenoweth doesn’t bring layers to her take on Glinda. Especially in the second act of the musical, Chenoweth’s Glinda becomes a more complex character who struggles with her own anger and sadness as she tries to fill a very difficult role in Oz society. However, especially in the first act, Glinda is a more direct character in Chenoweth’s hands. The nature of film over theater gives Grande an advantage in developing a well-rounded character, as she simply has more time to explore the character’s depths.

Ariana Grande is the best version of Glinda

The film’s strengths help Grande move forward with (very blonde) hair

It’s a very difficult decision, especially considering the iconic status of Kristin Chenoweth’s performance as Glinda. However, because the film medium benefits Grande’s strengths as an artist, she gives a slightly better performance as Glinda. Grande’s performance owes a lot to Chenoweth and clearly builds on the iconic performance with which Chenoweth coded the role. However, while Chenoweth’s comedic flair and vocal strength make her an ideal Glinda for the stage, Grande’s versatility and quieter moments are enhanced by the film’s expanded focus.

Both actors are working with the same character, but the cinematic aspect Evil being longer means Grande simply gets more room to develop the character than Chenoweth. Grande delivers many comedic and touching moments through expression alone that would be difficult for anyone to replicate on stage. Chenoweth is a legend, and her Glinda is still a fantastic creation that paved the way for Grande. However, the cinematic nature Wicked: Part 1 it’s the perfect way to highlight the strengths of Grande’s performance, giving her a slight edge.