Ariana Grande, who stars as Glinda in the upcoming Wicked film adaptation, has weighed in on the flood of Gelphie fan art depicting a romantic relationship between Glinda and Elphaba. The pop star admitted that some of the more graphic artwork has taken her by surprise.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Grande shared her reaction to the Gelphie fandom: “I had a feeling, but I didn’t know it would be on this scale or this graphic. I wish I could unsee some things.”
The Rise of Gelphie Shipping
The Wicked fandom has long embraced Gelphie—a portmanteau of Glinda and Elphaba—as a beloved pairing inspired by the musical’s themes of otherness and acceptance, which resonate deeply with LGBTQ+ audiences. Since Wicked premiered on Broadway in 2003, fans have crafted countless fanfics and artworks exploring the pair’s complex relationship.
The fandom’s interpretation isn’t without a literary basis. Gregory Maguire, the author of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which inspired the musical, has hinted at romantic subtext between the two witches.
During the Wicked press tour, Maguire told Them: “That was intentional. I wanted to propose the possibility that one of those two young women felt more than the other but didn’t say it. Perhaps, while the novelist was out having a smoke, they had sex on the way to the Emerald City. I wanted to propose this possibility without making a declarative statement about it.”
Ariana Grande and Kristin Chenoweth Weigh In
Grande has embraced the queer readings of Glinda’s character. Speaking to Gay Times, she shared: “Whether it’s romantic or platonic, Glinda might be a little in the closet. You never know. It is just true love, and I think that transcends sexuality. That’s probably why they ship it.”
Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda in 2003, echoed Grande’s sentiments, saying: “I thought so too, way back when.”
The Gelphie phenomenon continues to thrive, fueled by both fan creativity and the endorsement of stars and creators alike. As Wicked makes its leap from stage to screen, it’s clear that the beloved witches of Oz will continue to inspire both devotion and debate within the fandom.
