Billie Eilish passionately admires the “Depraved” musical, particularly when she channels her inner fan for Ariana Grande. This was evident during a recent Q&A session following a screening of the film in Hollywood, where Eilish had the honor of interviewing her longtime idol, a moment arranged at the personal request of Grande, who portrays the Oscar-nominated character Glinda. This exciting event took place at the Directors Guild of America theater and was exclusively for Academy and guild members, showcasing the deep connection between the two artists.

Ariana Grande opened up about the decision-making process behind inviting Eilish for the interview, saying, ?My team was brainstorming who would be a fantastic person to moderate this event. When I thought about it, Billie immediately came to mind, but I was unsure if she would say yes considering her busy schedule and incredible talent. To my delight, she agreed, and suddenly, I felt a wave of nerves wash over me.? This candid moment displayed Grande’s admiration for Eilish and the significance of their collaboration.

Expressing her admiration, Eilish shared her heartfelt connection to Grande and the film, stating, ?I adore this woman and this film so deeply. My love for you began at a young age, and I still cherish the YouTube channel that has been my personal treasure since I was around 11. Just the other day, I was reminiscing with my mom about old interviews of you from 2014 where I commented things like, ?I?m Team Ari.? I didn’t realize those comments were still visible, but I remember calling you ‘Ari’ to my brother, who would always remind me, ?Don?t call her that, you don?t know her!?? This reflection highlights the profound impact Grande has had on Eilish’s life and career.

After establishing her long-standing admiration for Grande, Eilish shifted the conversation towards the film itself, with the FYC logo still prominently displayed on the large screen. She candidly admitted her nerves about moderating the event, stating, ?I feel a bit out of place doing this.? She went on to praise Grande, calling her ?one of the greatest singers of our era.? Grande, eager to reciprocate the compliment, was swiftly interrupted by Eilish: ?This isn?t about me, ma?am,? showcasing Eilish?s humility amidst her fandom.

Grande then shared a humorous anecdote regarding the creative process for the film’s music. She recounted the well-known story of an early discussion about the song ?Popular? and how its initial arrangement included a modern rhythm that she felt didn?t fit the character. ?As someone who has always been a bit of a protective fan, I felt like the nerdy Oz historian working on this project. How drastically different would today?s world be if ?Popular? had a modern beat? There?s a right time and place for that, but it simply doesn?t align with Glinda?s character, who has her own unique rhythm,? Grande explained, highlighting her dedication to staying true to the essence of the character.

In response to Eilish’s inquiry about the audition process, Grande revealed that there had been moments when the production team considered her for a lead role, although she was focused on one specific character. ?I remember my first audition; at that time, they weren?t decided on which part I would sing for. So, they had me perform four songs: ?No One Mourns the Wicked,? ?Popular,? ?Wizard and I,? and ?Defying Gravity.? I wore all pink, it was evident I was there for Glinda! They were very thorough, and I had to perform multiple times. Then came the callback, which involved scenes, dialogue, and more songs specifically for Glinda.?

Later, Grande recounted, ?My final screen test involved chemistry readings with two different Elphabas. Thankfully, neither was Cynthia; I can only imagine how awkward that would have been if we had tested together!? Grande’s storytelling about the auditioning process highlighted the intense preparation and dedication involved in landing such a prestigious role.

Grande elaborated on the meticulous nature of the audition process, explaining, ?My final chemistry test lasted three hours, and I felt completely drained by the end. I remember thinking, ?I?ve given everything I have in this room.? At one point, I even jokingly stuck my false lashes to the mirror because I had been crying so much. The process was long and thorough, which is essential because these roles have to be earned. We worked very hard on this project, and it has been the most fulfilling experience ever. It?s true that the right opportunity will present itself when it?s meant to be.?

?You truly deserve it,? Eilish chimed in, affirming Grande?s hard work and talent.

Grande, with a hint of humor, remarked, ?I apologize for going on for so long.?

Eilish enthusiastically replied, ?We love it!? expressing her appreciation for Grande?s detailed storytelling.

Grande added light-heartedly, ?I even went back to my birth date,? sharing her humorous take on her long-winded explanation.

When Eilish inquired about Grande?s vocal preparation for the film, Grande shared, ?I began training my voice three months before my first audition because I wanted my vocal muscles to adapt to a new style of singing. While I?ve always had a high voice, it differs significantly from the register I typically use for pop music. Just like any other muscles in your body, your vocal cords need time to adjust and strengthen.? She emphasized that while singing pop, she often uses her mix, belt, and whistle tones, whereas Glinda?s character primarily exists in a falsetto register, requiring extensive practice and vocal conditioning.

Grande continued, sharing her journey with vocal training, ?Recently, I was on a long flight, and my vocal coach, Eric Vetro, reached out. We reminisced about our early sessions back in 2021. Listening to those old voice notes, you can hear how my voice transitioned from airy to fuller over time through repetition and muscle training. By the time I arrived on set, I no longer had to think about it because my muscles had developed a new memory.?

Eilish candidly admitted that she was initially skeptical about the claim that much of the singing in the film was performed live on set. ?Before seeing the movie, I found myself arguing about it, thinking, ?There?s absolutely no way they are singing live!? But I was proven wrong. It took about a year and a half to shoot everything, and I can only imagine how many days it took to film each scene. I?m curious about how you maintained continuity?not just in singing, but also in embodying Glinda?s character over multiple days.?

Grande reassured her, stating, ?It didn?t feel too foreign. When it comes to singing, it?s similar to being on tour, where you perform many shows back-to-back. Both Cynthia (Erivo) and I come from Broadway backgrounds, so we understand what it?s like to perform eight shows a week. It?s vital for the emotional integrity of each scene to maintain the ability to improvise; you can?t be rigid with your choices.?

?During emotional scenes, it?s natural for your voice to crack, and that?s a unique aspect we want to preserve. We love singing, and as Broadway performers, we understand the commitment it takes. If we have to do 27 takes in a row, we?re ready to do it together as supportive sister witches,? Grande explained, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the project.

Moreover, Grande added, ?Under the direction of Simon Hayes, our incredible sound team transformed the entire set into a recording studio. No matter what happened?whether a gust of wind hit the microphone?there was always a backup. There was a mic hidden in Elphaba’s hat, and we had two mics on each of my lapels. It was remarkable how they turned everything into a recording environment.?

Taking a moment to soak in the atmosphere, Grande expressed her contentment, saying, ?This is so much fun. I’m genuinely happy here,? showcasing her passion for the project.

Eilish playfully interjected, ?Alright, just a few more songs!? before quickly correcting herself with a chuckle, ?I meant questions! I?m on tour, so I?m used to saying that!?

Grande responded, ?We do need to wrap up,? as audience members began calling out requests for an unplanned duet, which the two stars playfully declined.

Eilish, reading from her notes, asked, ?Have you caught the bug?? Grande raised an eyebrow skeptically, prompting Eilish to apologize for the cheesiness of the question. When Grande playfully challenged, ?Didn?t you write that?? Eilish insisted, ?No, that?s the one question I actually read out loud!? After some laughter, Grande humorously rephrased, ?The real question is, have you caught the fucking bug??

In a moment of sincerity about her aspirations in film, Grande expressed, ?I would absolutely love to pursue more acting opportunities. However, I?m also grateful because I feel incredibly fortunate to have so many beautiful creative outlets at my disposal. We are lucky to be able to explore various artistic endeavors, and I truly believe that there are many ?bugs? to catch in this industry.?