After watching Wicked, I noticed a lot of chatter about Ariana Grande’s transformation into Glinda. The critiques mostly focus on her makeup—especially the imperfect strip lashes—and the shade of blonde used for her hair. The general consensus seems to be that these details don’t align with Hollywood’s typical standards of polished perfection.
But here’s the thing: I actually think that’s what makes it work.
Let’s talk about the makeup first. People have been quick to point out her lashes, calling them uneven or distracting. But to me, they make sense in the context of theater.
Stage makeup has always been about exaggeration. It’s designed to be seen from far away under bright lights, with bold lines and heavy applications to ensure facial expressions don’t get washed out. It’s never subtle, and it’s certainly not aiming for the flawless, minimalist look we’ve come to expect in films. Theater makeup has never—and will never—be about “clean girl aesthetic.”
Ariana’s makeup feels like a deliberate nod to the theatrical roots of Wicked, embracing the drama of the stage even in its cinematic adaptation.
Related: Ariana Grande Elevates Method Dressing at Wicked Premier
Then there’s her hair.
Some viewers have said the shade of blonde doesn’t suit Ariana, calling it unnatural or jarring. But isn’t that kind of the point?
Glinda is a character, and her golden hair is part of the fantasy. In theater, wigs and costumes often lean into artifice to signal transformations, and this slightly artificial tone adds a whimsical, storybook-like quality to her look. It’s a visual cue that separates Ariana from Glinda, letting the audience see the character rather than the celebrity.
Related: Ariana Grande Isn’t the Glinda We Need–Amanda Seyfried Is
While Wicked is clearly a movie, the people who worked on it seem to have a deep respect for theater. By leaning into stage traditions like heavier makeup and slightly exaggerated styling, they’ve given the film an element of theatricality that feels intentional.
It’s a subtle way of honoring the story’s origins while giving longtime fans of the musical something familiar to hold onto. It’s more than just a movie; it’s an homage to the stage, even if you have to look a little closer to see it.
Anyone who’s seen theater actors post-performance knows stage makeup isn’t flawless up close. It’s not meant to be! Ariana’s look doesn’t align with the typical airbrushed Hollywood image—but that only adds to its charm.
Her portrayal of Glinda feels rooted in Wicked’s theatrical heritage, where bold choices carry the storytelling.
In a world where audiences are often drawn to pristine visuals, it’s refreshing to see a production embrace the imperfections of theater. Whether or not these choices were fully intentional, they feel authentic—and that’s what makes them work.
Related: These 5 Movie-Based Broadways Shows Would Make Great Films
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