Ariana Grande Talks Bursting Glinda's Bubble With Original Song In Wicked 2

Wicked: For Good is set to bring the story of the Witches of Oz to its climactic finale. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the highly-anticipated sequel to 2024’s Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda.

Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, Wicked adapted the first half of the musical, while For Good will cover the second act. Stephen Schwartz, composer and lyricist of the stage show, returned to write two additional songs for Elphaba and Glinda in For Good.

Recently, Grande discussed her new track, “The Girl In The Bubble,” and how it reflects Glinda’s struggles after Elphaba stands up against the Wizard, something she lacked the courage to do. “What I love most about it is that it’s… it is such a narrative piece for her,” said Grande. “I’m so glad that we get to see her experience that moment of change, that to make that choice to begin the chapter of being truly good.“

The actress then clarified: “Not performing goodness, not… a façade of goodness but to put down the wand, and actually become truly good.” She noted that much of Glinda’s transformation towards the end of the play isn’t expressly depicted, adding that she loves “that [audiences] get to share that moment with her because it happens in the wings of the Broadway show, you know, you see the before and after moments, but to see that moment is a gift.“

Chu previously addressed the decision to add new songs to the film adaptation, citing the need to dig deeper into Elphaba and Glinda’s inner thoughts. Speaking about Glinda, he explained: “What happens when you’re someone like Glinda who has this bubble of protection, where you don’t ever have to deal with the truth if you don’t want to? Are you able to pop your bubble of privilege?”

Chu continued:

We needed more songs, because we needed more avenues into that mindset. Musicals are great because it’s not about being bigger, it’s about going deeper into these characters and minds and what they’re going through. So we have new songs that allow us to witness how they go through these thoughts, and the audience can experience.

The director also viewed Glinda’s new song as an opportunity to explore the theme of how to overcome ignorance, which he calls one of “the bigger questions of the Wicked saga.” As such, “The Girl In The Bubble” is meant to examine Glinda’s inner struggles while also grappling with the broader message of For Good.

Wicked: For Good releases in theaters on November 21, 2025.