"She's confident, but not entitled": Vocal coach Eric Vetro reflects on Ariana Grande's Wicked auditions

Vocal coach Eric Vetro's latest reflections on Ariana Grande are getting significant attention from fans and enthusiasts. His comments come amid the press promotion cycle of Wicked: For Good.

Vetro's account on Ariana Grande sheds light on the process of auditions, practices, and the way Grande approached the arguably biggest film role of her career so far.

In his exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Vetro recalled the time when Ariana Grande was preparing to audition for Glinda in Wicked (2024) and Wicked: For Good (2025). He revealed,

"She actually encouraged some of the other girls and said, 'You really should go see Eric and work on it with him.'"

He also added:

"She is confident, but not arrogant. She is confident, but not entitled. She is just confident. But it is a confidence that has been built by working hard. There is no ego involved with it, which is really unusual in a lot of ways and really special. And that's what makes her so much fun to work with. Even though she works really hard and takes it seriously, she also is a lot of fun to be around. She has a great sense of humor."

Eric Vetro on Ariana Grande's audition approach

The vocal coach claimed that Ariana Grande sent other actresses to him for Glinda auditions. Notably, she also physically brought one to his home studio so they could work and sing together. He said,

"She brought one of the girls over and they sang together here. Isn't that amazing?"

He continued:

"Her mom said, 'Is she crazy? Why is she bringing people over for you to help them?' And I said, 'Well, because I think that is just who she is. She is very generous like that.' She was very confident in herself, too, but I think she also loved [Wicked] so much that she wanted the right person to get it, but I could not believe it."

Ariana Grande's recent emotional statement on Wicked: For Good

Ariana Grande recently took to her official Instagram page to share a long, heartfelt note about the experience of working in the movie. She wrote:

"My Sweet Fellow Orians, Oz has been my safe space for as long as I can remember. The characters within these pages teach us how to love unconditionally with one's whole heart, to laugh; to forgive (even when it's most painful); to fiercely protect ourselves and each other (yes, sometimes even from each other), to look inward; to be curious and not afraid of acknowledging our own wickedness in order to grow away from it and toward goodness, because we all contain both; to see the beauty in all things, especially the unfamiliar; to be honest, because to be honest is to be kind; and to fight for what is truly, deeply good... even if it takes us a long, scary walk down the Yellow Brick Road to discoverate what that means for each of us. I fell in love with Wicked when I was ten years old. It has been an escape and a place where I knew I could find comfort and understanding throughout my childhood and adult life. Loving something dearly and becoming it are two very different things. Becoming your Glinda the Good and being asked to join this most wonderful group of human beings on a most creatively and emotionally fulfilling journey was the greatest gift of my life. I have learned more from my time with Glinda than anyone."

Ariana Grande continued:

"Now, to see how it has moved and been there for you all in the same way that it has for me over the course of my life has been the most meaningful, moving, and cherished gift of all. You'll never know what it truly means to me. I'm so thankful to have been a tiny piece of this bubble puzzle and to be your Glinda."

Ariana Grande concluded her letter, stating:

"Before I go, please remember: whenever things get scary or you feel alone, home is wherever and with whomever we want it to be, and there's no place like home. Your chosen Ozian family loves you exactly as you are, and I couldn't be thankfuller that you exist. Love always, Ariana (Your Glinda)"

Ariana Grande's 2026 Eternal Sunshine tour

Amid the Wicked buzz, Ariana Grande is also preparing for her upcoming 2026 live run. Below are the confirmed dates and stops of the 2026 Eternal Sunshine tour: