The release of "Wicked" was a truly phenomenal event. That very night, as the newly released soundtrack played in the background, I found myself compelled to start jotting down my thoughts in my parents' guest room. The drive home from the theater was filled with spilling out all the fun facts and hints of foreshadowing that I had been holding back during the movie. I couldn't help but be a "Wicked" fanatic. I had been eagerly anticipating the film adaptation for years, ever since I first witnessed the show live on Broadway at the age of 13. Since then, the original cast recording has been permanently etched in my memory, and I believe I could now recite the entire show forwards and backwards. Even at 20 years old, the last chorus of "Defying Gravity" still gives me goosebumps, and "Popular" is my go-to song when getting ready.

When Ariana Grande Was Chosen

When world-famous pop star Ariana Grande was selected to play my beloved character Glinda in 2021, I was initially a bit skeptical. Like many others, I worried that her Nickelodeon acting credits might not be enough for the role. I also feared that her pop star status would make her songs too pop-oriented and prevent her from truly embodying the character. However, as I learned about Grande's dedication to her performance and the confidence she gained from the film's director, my doubts began to fade. I went into the theater with a great deal of faith in her.During the first song, any remaining concerns were completely dispelled. Grande was far from being pop-esque; she was truly operatic, and it was evident that she had put in the effort to achieve the voice required for the role. Throughout the film, she not only flawlessly executed Glinda's physical comedy but also captured the character's nuances with her remarkable acting skills. From start to finish, I didn't feel like I was watching Ariana Grande playing Glinda; I was watching an actress stepping into a role that she was born to play.Grande exceeded my expectations and those of the critics. So, it's puzzling why so many corners of the internet have continued to criticize her performance even a week after the film's release.

The Hate and Criticism

For years before and after production began, hundreds of Reddit users have been constantly complaining about Grande. My TikTok feed has been flooded with fresh criticism for days. Some have accused her of being a marketing ploy, suggesting that she was chosen mainly to boost ticket sales and that other, more deserving actresses were overlooked because they weren't famous enough. Before and after the film's release, people have found fault with every minute detail of her style and mannerisms, from the shape of her eyebrows to the way she blinks. They claim she was too stiff in the film and didn't emote enough, yet on the press tour, she is too emotional. Many posts on the 11,000-user Grande hate subreddit use personal attacks to criticize her career, which is not only irrelevant but also quite nasty.

Comparisons with Male Stars

Similar patterns can be seen with male stars who, like Grande, are famous for their pop music careers but have also taken on serious acting roles. Harry Styles received praise online for his role in the 2017 film "Dunkirk." Users defended his performance and pointed out that he "auditioned for the role and got it fairly." Just like Grande, he faced some criticism due to his prior fame, but it was nowhere near the level that Grande has endured.On the other hand, Justin Timberlake's acting career, with his NSYNC and solo fame, has been widely acclaimed. Reddit users consider him underrated and a better actor than musician. Generally, he faces little criticism online. The public has allowed him to smoothly transition from a pop icon to a credible actor without any protest or resistance.Why can't Grande be given the same opportunity? She has clearly worked hard to establish herself in the musical theater sphere, but audiences seem reluctant to see her move beyond what they are familiar with. This clearly reflects the double standard that female celebrities face when making career changes. While their male counterparts are given the benefit of the doubt, they are constantly criticized, even when their performances are outstanding.Grace Longworth, TPN's assistant copy chief, has managed to turn her love and excitement for "Wicked" into a powerful feminist argument. You can share your thoughts about "Wicked" with her at [email protected].