Thescreescore – Anticipation for "Wicked: For Good" is reaching fever pitch, and Ariana Grande has just dropped a tantalizing preview of her rendition of the beloved stage musical number, "Thank Goodness." With the film adaptation of the second act of "Wicked" just around the corner, this sneak peek offers a glimpse into Grande’s portrayal of Glinda as she grapples with the aftermath of Elphaba’s defiance against the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum).
The recent "Wicked: One Wonderful Night" event at the Dolby Theatre, featuring Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Goldblum, Ethan Slater, and Marissa Bode, served as a platform to showcase musical highlights from both "Wicked" installments. Among these was a preview of Grande’s take on "Thank Goodness," offering fans a taste of what’s to come in the film. The full performance is now available on Grande’s YouTube channel.
Notably, the released clip focuses on Glinda’s introspective verses, omitting the plot-driven segments involving Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey). While not as overtly theatrical as "Popular," "Thank Goodness" provides a crucial insight into Glinda’s complex character. Set after her decision not to join Elphaba in opposing the Wizard, the song hints at the emotional toll of maintaining a cheerful public persona while her personal life unravels.
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The lyrics reveal a stark contrast between Glinda’s outward appearance and her inner turmoil:
"I couldn’t be happier
Simply couldn’t be happier
Well, not "simply"
‘Cause getting your dreams
It’s strange, but it seems
A little, well, complicated
There’s a kind of, a sort of, cost
There’s a couple of things get lost
There are bridges you cross you didn’t know you crossed
Until you’ve crossed
And if that joy, that thrill
Doesn’t thrill like you think it will"
As the opening number of the original musical’s second act, "Thank Goodness" sets the stage for Glinda’s character arc and foreshadows her potential regrets regarding her treatment of Elphaba. It also offers glimpses into Fiyero’s conflicted feelings for both women.
Despite not being a show-stopping anthem like "Defying Gravity," "Thank Goodness" holds a special place in the hearts of "Wicked" fans, including original stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. During a recent interview with Erivo and Grande, Menzel playfully urged, "Don’t tell anybody!" regarding their shared affection for the song.
While Grande’s live performance is not necessarily indicative of the final version that will appear in "Wicked: For Good," it offers a promising glimpse into her emotional interpretation of Glinda’s journey in the film.
"Wicked: For Good" and its accompanying soundtrack are set to be released on November 21, 2025. "Wicked: One Wonderful Night" is currently available for streaming on Peacock.
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