Ariana Grande has been through a lot over the last year. The singer and songwriter was the victim of a terrorist attack in Manchester during a concert, where over twenty of her fans were killed. Additionally, she was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, she got engaged (then broke up) with her fiancé, Pete Davidson, and lost her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller to a drug overdose. Not to mention, the pop star was publicly groped at Aretha Franklin’s funeral.
Add all of these traumatic experiences to the mass media scrutiny she receives for being in the spotlight, Grande wanted to take some time off from the limelight to focus on herself and her mental health.
However, Grande was asked to perform at NBC’s tribute to the Broadway show Wicked–A Very Wicked Halloween. The special celebrated the famous musical since it first appeared on Broadway in 2003. The original cast was in attendance, along with some other famous faces to sing classics like “Defying Gravity,” and “Popular.”
While Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth were in attendance and brought everyone right back to day one, Ariana Grande made a special appearance performing the song “The Wizard and I.” Grande originally announced her addition to the show when it was originally recorded a few weeks ago. She claimed she could not be more honored to be included in the 15-year anniversary show of one of her favorite musicals.
As it turns out, Grande has always been a huge drama/theater buff and even performed frequently growing up. She’s even performed “The Wizard and I” in the past, which has resurfaced on YouTube.
Additionally, Grande revealed she originally saw Wicked on Broadway when she was only 9-years-old. She has been a fan ever since.
This photo might be from 15 years ago, but do any of these witches look familiar? @arianagrande @kchenoweth #Wicked15 #Wicked pic.twitter.com/cOFfxb2aw0
— Wicked the Musical (@WICKED_Musical) October 30, 2018
While young Ariana Grande had the pipes to slay this entire song, it was no match to the current, flawless, and limitless Grade now who completely blew the roof off of the house when she stepped onto the stage. All throughout her performance, people in the crowd were freaking out. Some were screaming–but, many were crying.
In her first appearance/live performance since her split from Pete Davidson, Grande came to play.
On Twitter, people were not only melting over the notes she hit but, also begging Grande to do a run on Broadway in the brilliant show.
Dear @ArianaGrande,
You were amazing last night at #Wicked15. I've watched it 100 times today. Not to tell you what you need to do but you NEED to do a limited run playing Elphaba in @WICKED_Musical. Or at least put out a full album of Broadway covers.
Sincerely,
The Gays— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) October 30, 2018
I need @ArianaGrande to please, please, please sing more songs from Wicked. ‘the Wizard and I’ was amazing!
— Alicia S (@AliciaS20) October 31, 2018
But was anyone else in awe of @ArianaGrande #getitgirl #wicked #thewizardandi
— “Hey Alexa…” (@Shmalxxa) October 30, 2018
We’re all this girl right here pic.twitter.com/ZGWKhCunCv
— HBoo Elam (@hbelam) October 30, 2018
Can we have another wicked special where @ArianaGrande sings every song… thanks. Holy crap that was incredible #Wicked15
— Katie Tombstone Thompson? (@littlebabykates) October 30, 2018
sis a whole mood pic.twitter.com/zd3gvXrz5H
— Nina ? (@nerdyninav) October 30, 2018
That. Was. Spectacular. ? pic.twitter.com/4dnYmEsVur
— Thash (@Thashhh) October 30, 2018
Um…Ariana Grande should play Glinda in the Wicked movie.
— Emerson Collins (@ActuallyEmerson) October 30, 2018
I can’t imagine how freeing it must be to sing “Wizard and I” after the year this woman has had. You’re amazing @ArianaGrande and I’m watching you through so many happy tears. ?? #Wicked15
— BOO-linda ? (@bbcgarcia) October 30, 2018
We agree, Ari, you completely left us in awe–next to some pretty damp tissues.