Wicked star Ariana Grande takes the cover story of Interview Magazine‘s Winter 2025 edition lensed by fashion photography duo Inez & Vinoodh. In charge of styling was Law Roach, with art direction from Marc Kroop at VLM Productions, and set design by Mat Cullen at Lalaland Artists. Beauty is work of hair stylist Alyx Liu using T3 at A-Frame Agency, makeup artist Michael Anthony using R.E.M. Beauty at Opus Beauty, and manicurist Coralia Fuentes. For the cover Ariana is wearing a look from Bottega Veneta.
Nicole Kidman speaks with Ariana Grande for Interview Magazine during a moment when Grande balances major film work, music, and personal reflection. Their exchange opens with an affectionate tone as they greet each other from New York and Nashville, remembering a period when their paths crossed at several events. Kidman brings up the experience of watching Wicked with her daughters, describing the atmosphere in the theater. Grande responds with her account of filming the project, describing how she focused entirely on Glinda and avoided looking past the day-to-day demands of the role. She speaks about her long admiration for the show and her desire to give full attention to every detail.
Their conversation shifts toward comedy within Wicked. Grande explains how she and her castmates learned the script fully and then explored alternate choices with director Jon M. Chu. She describes the freedom she felt on set and her curiosity about Bowen Yang’s unused footage. Kidman reacts with interest, leading Grande to reflect on how film allows only one final version of each moment, unlike the constant variation possible in live theater.
Grande then shares memories from age 13, when she performed in a Jason Robert Brown musical on Broadway. She credits that experience with developing stamina and discipline, and she expresses interest in returning to the stage. Kidman relates through her own history with theater, describing the challenge of finding time for a serious play and mentioning a range of roles she imagines for herself but cannot yet take on.
Grande transitions to her current film, Focker In-Law, which she shoots in New York with Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner, Skyler Gisondo, and Beanie Feldstein. She describes her enthusiasm for the project and the energy of the cast. She also talks about stepping into Wicked promo on weekends, including a concert recorded in Los Angeles.
Kidman expresses curiosity about Grande’s everyday routine. Grande describes her early call time, the long drive to set, and her plan to fit in steps before work if she can. She talks about meditating in the car, reviewing scenes during lunch, and managing her energy through a packed schedule. Kidman’s comments about napping lead Grande to describe her difficulty with short rests, while Kidman describes her ability to revive herself with a brief sleep.
Grande also walks Kidman through her nighttime habits. She talks about long baths, FaceTime calls with close friends, and moments of calm. They shift into astrology, comparing signs and Chinese zodiac animals with humor. The conversation becomes personal as Grande reflects on music and touring, explaining that she has a 45-show schedule ahead and describing her recent effort to repair her connection to music after earlier pressure. She talks about separating her creative joy from the strain tied to fame and finding renewed confidence through her work as Glinda.
Kidman relates through her own experiences, offering encouragement, warmth, and reassurance. Their dialogue closes on affection, humor, and mutual respect as they talk about rest, routines, and staying grounded.
Read more at interviewmagazine.com
