Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo know what Glinda and Elphaba mean to badass fans.

Emotional press tour It’s bad when the film hits its stride, it continues into awards season digital release. And listen, at this point everyone is getting tired of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s sisterhood show. he made two films back to back and sang iconic songs from the musical live.

These women have become Elphaba and Glinda for their fans and it shows. in an interview with Diversitystars discussed their transformations, especially Grande. As one of the most recognizable global pop superstars, he should have gone completely unrecognizable in the role and perhaps gotten back to the roots of who he really was all along: a theater kid with a lifelong dream to play a role.

“Maybe people underestimate how much time we spent trying to find and lose these women,” Grande told the trade. “So when certain smiles or behaviors take time to melt, sometimes people are amused. But we had work to do and things to lose—because that’s what the piece demands.

He added that he would probably keep Glinda with him in his next evolution. “I think it can stay,” he said, specifically referring to the new Old Hollywood lilt. “Galinda required a lot of vocal work for me. Some things may not melt. There will be some, but I am truly grateful for the pieces that will stay with us forever. How wonderful to stay back and feel the spirit of each day.”

For Erivo, being Elphaba meant getting visible representation of anyone who felt left out. In the days after the screening of the film, Erivo Özdust fell in love with the Ballroom scene. Anyone who felt different knew exactly What Elphaba felt after arriving at the social gathering between Ozians and Shiz students. “I was talking to a friend of mine earlier this week,” Erivo said, “and he said, ‘I just want to confirm for you that you were abused. This moment gave me the opportunity to revisit it, process it, feel it again and share it.” And that made it the moment Galinda joined him in the dance to embrace the core of the film’s message of belonging.

According to Grande, that moment, coinciding with the film’s opening, speaks volumes about the importance of sisterhood and allyship. The film opens with his character lighting a statue of his friend. Wicker man-style. “It feels like burning you a million times in a row, just like how much Özdust suffered against you!” she spoke of the emotionally demanding work.

Actually It’s bad fan, Grande recalled how the story was always one way or another radical behind the scenes, in front of the shiny Emerald City facade of fascism, we must stand together with our loved ones, no matter how different they are. “When It’s bad The first time I went on Broadway, I remember people in my life having this exact discussion,” Grande shared. “People say, ‘Oh, how can I be a better ally?’ it’s time to say. Because that’s how we’ve always survived. We have always been able to survive with these friendships and allies.”

“What keeps coming back to me is how much people need this,” Erivo added. “It allows people to think of themselves as people who can help. It may not be easy, but it is not impossible. It’s something that penetrates.”

It’s bad is now in theaters and also available in digital.