A year in the Wicked world really means no time at all; that is if the exuberant fervour and fabulous fashions surrounding Jon M.Chu’s part deux of the musical film adaption has anything to do with it. From London to Asia, its ensemble cast Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum took over Universal Studios Singapore for the highly-anticipated premiere and final stop of the Wicked: For Good press tour.
Grande, who has returned to Singapore for the first time since 2017, beams: “It feels so amazing to be back in beautiful Singapore. I just loved being here on tour the last time and I’m so excited to reunite with the fans here, especially to celebrate this film.”
The singer and actress, who has spent a great deal of time playing her dream role, Glinda the Good, says: “I’m most excited for people to see these girls at their most vulnerable and also at their strongest. To see the completion of their emotional arcs. And with Glinda, we get to watch her finally face the truth and then climb her way out of the dark and towards the light finally, for real this time. I’m excited for people to finally get to know Glinda the way that I do. To get to know her more deeply, on the inside and to see what she does in response to the heartbreak she faces in this film.”
And just like magic, the star seamlessly slipped back into Glinda’s shoes for the film’s five-city global premiere tour, serving breathtaking, meaningful looks with the help of stylist Luxury Law. A magenta pink archival couture dress from 1998. A vintage Gilbert Adrian dress to pay homage to the original Wizard of Oz costume designer. And for the final hurrah in Singapore? A custom gown that holds space for all of the Glindas. “Law and I decided to partner with this custom Thom Browne look, as a way of paying homage to all of the Glindas in one dress—incorporating blue and bursts of sparkles just like Lena Horne’s Glinda dress whilst still including a touch of pink in honour of Billie’s Glinda dress. All of which comes through in a slightly more extreme silhouette, honouring her look in this second film as whimsical tulle sleeves bring an extra touch of magic,” says Grande.
The second film’s release also signifies an impending emotional goodbye. Grande, who shares a special bond with co-star Erivo, reflects: “I’m so thankful to have done this with her and it was one of the greatest gifts of my life. We will never have to miss each other because we will always have each other. She knows that, I know that, none of us will ever have to say “goodbye” really. But I do think the work that we were able to do for this specific project, all together, with this director Jon M Chu, and this specific crew of creative minds and new family members we’ve made along the way, collaborating on Wicked, is something that I will indeed miss.”
As to what’s on the horizon for the ‘Twilight Zone’ singer? Music wise, a mini tour is what fans can look forward to, but there will certainly be more of actress Ariana, who says: “I’m really focused on acting right now.” Her next stint will see her in Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story Season 13 opposite Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson and Emma Roberts.
Below, see how the Wicked: For Good star got ready for the Singapore premiere.
1 / 7
A custom Thom Browne for the special occasion.
2 / 7
Glitter pumps to complement the look.
3 / 7
Whimsical tulle sleeves to bring an extra touch of magic.
4 / 7
Something 'Wicked' by Thom Browne.
5 / 7
My make-up artist Michael Anthony and I wanted to do a light and whimsical, good witch look, using our new R.E.M. Beauty Wicked collaboration.
6 / 7
I hope this look evokes light! I hope it evokes the fun we are having on the road with the fans, celebrating this project and gratitude that we all feel to be able to do this, and to have this moment with you all.
7 / 7
