Ariana Grande has always found an "escape" in musical theatre

The actress - who plays Glinda in the new movie - told Variety: "I mean, it was just something that spoke to me.

"I was a child, and I would sit there watching 'The Wizard of Oz' and study Judy Garland, and I just remember it being such an escape. I loved the storytelling and seeing my first Broadway show."

Asked to recall the first Broadway show she watched, Ariana replied: "It was 'Beauty and the Beast'. I just remember loving it so much."

Ariana has actually fulfilled a long-held ambition by starring in the 'Wicked' film.

The award-winning star - who is best known for her success as a musician - shared: "I was hunting Marc Platt down for an audition. As soon as I found out that it might be happening, I told my team, 'Be on high alert, please. And I know this has to be earned. So when they start seeing people, can I please go in? I'll do anything.' And I worked really hard with a vocal coach and an acting coach to get ready, because Glinda's vocal track is very different than what I usually sing."

Asked to explain the difference, Ariana replied: "It's very operatic and very classical sort of coloratura, which is different from doing a falsetto and whistle tones. It's a totally different placement in the voice.

"I wanted to sound authentic in singing opera, and I started two months before my first audition."