In this video essay, we explore the emotional journeys of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, two artists whose personal struggles deeply resonate with the characters they portray in *Wicked*. From Ariana’s path of shedding superficial expectations to Cynthia’s battle with being an outsider, we examine how their real-life experiences of trauma and healing shaped their powerful performances. Join us as we dive into the cathartic process behind their roles as Glinda and Elphaba and how art became a transformative force for both.
00:00 Introduction
01:13 Ariana Grande – The Illusion of Perfection
08:50 Cynthia Erivo – The Perpetual Outsider
15:14 The Casting Process for Wicked
17:53 Glinda and Elphaba
21:28 Th Power of Healing Through Art
