NEW YORK, NY — Pop superstar Ariana Grande proved she’s a true triple threat—singer, actress, and now, master wand-wielder—during her appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday, November 18.
The 32-year-old, who takes on the role of Glinda the Good Witch in the upcoming film sequel Wicked: For Good , left host Jimmy Fallon, 51, and the studio audience spellbound as she showcased the “crazy wand skills” she perfected on set.
A Mortal Kombat-Style Duel in Oz
Fallon initiated the topic, referencing a high-energy clash between Glinda and Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo) in the highly anticipated second part of the beloved musical adaptation.
“There’s a fight scene,” Fallon revealed. “It’s a full on video game Mortal Kombat fight scene and you show off some crazy wand skills.”
Grande accepted the compliment with a humble “Oh, thank you,” before playfully admitting that mastering the magical prop wasn’t without its challenges. “It got caught in my wig a few times,” she confessed.
A Surprise Prop and an Impressive Spin
The segment took a dramatic turn when Fallon, amid roaring cheers from the audience, produced a replica of Glinda’s signature wand from behind his desk.
“How didn’t I see that from behind you?” a clearly surprised Grande gasped.
Pleading with his guest, Fallon asked, “Can you do any skills? Could you do any flips? Do you remember it?”
Although she noted she was “a little out of practice” after three and a half years, Grande grabbed the wand, stood up, and confidently declared, “I have to find my footing.”
Bending her knees slightly, the actress launched into an immediate and flawless display, smoothly twirling the wand with one hand without missing a beat. Fallon, momentarily seeking refuge behind his desk, screamed “Yes!” as the crowd erupted in applause. Grande capped her impressive performance by raising the wand triumphantly into the air.
Wicked: For Good and A New Focus
The sequel, directed by Jon M. Chu, promises to capture the emotional second act of the musical, chronicling the deterioration of Glinda and Elphaba’s bond as they embrace their new identities—the Good Witch of the North and the Wicked Witch of the West. The film will also feature two new songs that recently premiered during the NBC special, Wicked: One Wonderful Night .
Grande stars alongside a stellar cast that includes Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, and Marissa Bode.
While fans are eager for the movie’s release, Grande’s immediate schedule is packed. She is scheduled to host Saturday Night Live on December 20, with Cher appearing as the musical guest.
The pop icon also recently offered insight into her current creative priorities, telling the Today show on November 18, “I really am enjoying acting right now… I think that’s currently what I’m most inspired by.”
She reassured her dedicated music base, however, adding, “I’ll still sing, I promise. But, yes, right now, that’s currently where I’m at.”
Wicked: For Good flies into theaters on November 21 .