Amanda Seyfried has once again opened up about her intense audition process for Wicked, confirming that she auditioned six times for the role of Glinda and describing the experience as both grueling and transformative.
Speaking on the June 19 episode of Backstage’s In the Envelope podcast, the Oscar-nominated actress revealed that the auditions took place in 2021 while she was filming Hulu’s The Dropout, a demanding schedule she nonetheless tried to navigate in pursuit of the part.
“I auditioned like six times for Wicked. I barely had time to do it, but I made it work,” she said. “I worked my ass off for years and years on that music.”
Seyfried shared that she trained with a vocal coach, attended weekend auditions, and recorded performances including the number “Popular” which she submitted to director Jon M. Chu. She also previously recalled, during a Happy Sad Confused podcast appearance earlier this year, singing with Cynthia Erivo during one of the final stages of the process.
“That was a moment,” Seyfried said. “Even though I didn’t get the role, I felt the strongest I ever have vocally.”
Despite not being cast, the Mamma Mia! star emphasized that the process was creatively rewarding.
“I didn’t get the part, but I came out a better singer,” she told Backstage. “It gave me the confidence I needed.”
Ultimately, the coveted role of Glinda went to pop star and Broadway alum Ariana Grande, who also auditioned five times. Cynthia Erivo was cast as Elphaba. Both actresses were officially announced in late 2021.
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