Ariana Grande’s Intense ‘Wicked’ Prep: 6 Months of Daily Training
Ariana Grande is no stranger to hard work, but her preparation for Wicked took things to a whole new level. The pop icon and actress dedicated six months to voice lessons, acting training, and physical fitness—juggling it all while serving as a coach on The Voice. From intense daily workouts to a strict plant-based diet, here’s how she transformed herself into Glinda the Good Witch.
- Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
- Age: 31 (Born June 26, 1993)
- Height: 5 ft 0 in (1.53 m)
- Spouse: Dalton Gomez (married 2021, divorced 2023)
- Current Partner: Ethan Slater (rumored)
- Occupation: Singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman
- Business Ventures:
- r.e.m. beauty (cosmetics brand)
- Ariana Grande Fragrances (billion-dollar perfume empire)
- Former brand ambassador for Reebok, Givenchy, and Fortnite
- Music Career:
- Sold over 90 million records worldwide
- Seven studio albums, including Eternal Sunshine (2024)
- Sweetener World Tour (2019) grossed $146.4 million
- Net Worth: Estimated $240 million (as of 2024)
Related: Ariana Grande’s Money-Making Empire: From Music to Beauty
Ariana’s Grueling 6-Month ‘Wicked’ Prep
Grande described her Wicked audition process as “training for the Super Bowl.” Determined to prove she could embody Glinda, she committed to daily singing, acting, and movement lessons for half a year before even landing the role.
Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Host Zach Sang recalled that she would arrive early to auditions and even “circle the block” to prepare. Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth, the original Glinda, also gave her stamp of approval, calling Grande “destined for this role.”
Related: The 2025 Oscars: A Night of Surprises and Triumphs
Ariana’s Workout Routine: Training Like a Broadway Star
Grande’s fitness regimen is all about consistency. She trains with celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak three times a week, focusing on strength, endurance, and mobility.
Lower Body & Arm Workouts
Grande’s routine centers around Pasternak’s “Fantastic Five” moves for lower body strength:
Curtsy lunges
Deadlifts
Adductor planks
Active clamshells
Glute bridges + lying tricep extensions
For her upper body, she incorporates:
Rope triceps extensions
Dumbbell T-raises
Standing cable reverse flys
Rather than isolating muscle groups, her workouts emphasize functional, full-body movements to enhance stamina and posture—critical for Wicked’s demanding stage performances.
Ariana’s Daily 12,000-Step Goal
Even outside of structured workouts, Ariana prioritizes movement. She aims for 12,000 steps per day, whether she’s dancing, walking on a treadmill, or just staying active between rehearsals.
Pasternak believes this step goal contributes to her high energy levels and helps maintain balance in her fitness routine. “I can’t imagine her being still,” he joked.
Her Vegan Diet: Fueling for Performance
Ariana has been a committed vegan since 2013, focusing on plant-based whole foods to keep her energy levels high.
Her go-to foods include:
Healthy fats: Almonds, cashews
Fruits: Strawberries are a favorite
Organic, plant-based meals
Despite her long-standing diet, Ariana says her family still tries to offer her meat. “My nonna always offers me meatballs,” she joked, adding, “I’m still plant-based.”
The Result? A ‘Wicked’ Transformation
Grande’s dedication to training—both physically and artistically—paid off, earning her one of the most coveted roles in musical theater history. Her journey from pop superstar to Broadway-caliber actress is proof of her incredible discipline and passion.
With Wicked set to hit the big screen, fans are eager to see her take on Glinda, knowing just how much work went into her performance.
