
Amanda Seyfried revealed she auditioned six times for 'Wicked'
Actress Amanda Seyfried has candidly shared details about her demanding audition journey for the highly anticipated 'Wicked' movie adaptation, revealing she auditioned six times for the role of Glinda.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
According to People magazine, the Oscar-nominated actress recently discussed her experience competing for the part that eventually went to pop star Ariana Grande.
"I auditioned like six times for Wicked," Seyfried said during an interview, adding, "That had to be really just right. And I loved it. I was busy, I barely had time to do it, but I made it work," as quoted by People magazine.
Known for her roles in 'Les Miserables' and 'Mamma Mia!', Seyfried noted that despite being in a position where she no longer needs to audition for most roles, the passion she felt for 'Wicked' pushed her to give it everything she had.
"I worked my ass off for years and years and years on that music," she said, adding, "I'm just competitive... with myself in a really healthy way."
This is not the first time Seyfried has spoken publicly about her pursuit of the role.
In an earlier interview, she revealed she sang alongside Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba in the film, during one of her auditions.
"I've never felt that solid in my voice than I did at the auditions," she said, adding, "And that's kind of what I got out of it," as quoted by People magazine.
Although she didn't land the role, Seyfried maintains a positive outlook. "I do, again, think everything happens for a reason," she said, adding that her family still sings "Defying Gravity" at home.
Seyfried's audition process overlapped with her work on 'The Dropout', the limited series for which she later won an Emmy for her portrayal of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes.
She recounted how she juggled both projects, sacrificing weekends to attend 'Wicked' auditions.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
"I literally bent over backwards while playing the hardest role of my life," she said, reflecting on the physical and emotional toll of balancing both roles, adding, "But I think it also taught me how far I've come as a singer, which I really wanted to prove." (ANI)
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Kajol-starrer MAA rakes in this much amount on Day 1
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 28 (ANI): Kajol's latest film 'Maa', a mythological horror, was opened to mixed reviews. As per trade analyst Taran Adarsh, 'MAA' collected ₹ 4.93 crore on the first day 1 of its release. " #Maa [#MaaTheFilm] fares better than expected... Pre-release expectations and trade projections had pegged its Day 1 total at a modest ₹ 3.50 cr, but the actual figures have surpassed estimates. Despite a limited release across 1500 screens in #India, #Maa held its own against strong competition - the holdover title #SitaareZameenPar, as well as new releases #Kannappa and the #Hollywood biggie #F1TheMovie... Yet, #Maa managed to draw a respectable number of footfalls. The 'Buy 2 - Get 1' free ticket offer [valid only on Friday] also boosted turnout... That said, the real test begins now - all eyes are on the Saturday and Sunday business. #Maa [Week 1] Fri ₹ 4.93 cr. #India biz | Official Nett BOC | #Boxoffice," he shared. Directed by Vishal Furia, 'Maa' marks Kajol's return to the big screen after a three-year hiatus. Her last theatrical release was 'Salaam Venky'. Excited about the film, Kajol said, "I am very excited. My film is releasing in theatres after a long time and I am extremely happy about actor has to reinvent himself/herself with time. I had never thought I would do a horror film, but here we are. I am extremely proud of this film. The script is quite good. I am a big mythological buff. I love our Indian mythology. We have so many stories. So, I think it was one of my favourite stories." "I am very grateful that I have done this film. I think we have made a very good film. Now audience will Maa ki kasam, humne achi film banai hai," Kajol laughed. Presented by Jio Studios and Devgn Films, Maa is produced by Ajay Devgn and Jyoti Deshpande and co-produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak. (ANI)


Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Wicked auditions: Who tried out for the film before Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were cast?
Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo may now be etched into fans' minds as Glinda and Elphaba, but they weren't the only names in the running. The film adaptation of Wicked has been years in the making, and before director Jon M. Chu locked in his final cast, a long list of celebrities - from pop singers to seasoned stage stars - gave it a shot. According to a report by People, the road to Oz saw some surprising names auditioning for roles but they didn't make the cut. Even Ariana Grande herself once considered Elphaba instead of Glinda. While filming The Dropout, Amanda Seyfried made time on weekends to audition for Glinda. 'I literally bent over backwards while playing the hardest role of my life,' she told Backstage in 2022. The Descendants star revealed in multiple interviews that she had long dreamt of playing Glinda. Renée Rapp, who stars in Mean Girls, auditioned for Glinda but had no hard feelings. 'Ariana's gonna be f------ amazing,' she said during Watch What Happens Live! in 2022. The Penguin actress, who also has a Grammy for Once, attempted Elphaba's iconic high note-but admitted on The Tonight Show in 2024 that she missed it during the audition. The Color Purple actor said in a 2024 YouTube video that Elphaba's story mirrored her own experiences growing up. She praised Erivo, calling her casting 'stellar.' Nick Jonas revealed on the Armchair Expert podcast that he auditioned for Fiyero-alongside his brother Joe. 'We both auditioned for the same role,' he said. Joe Jonas also confirmed he was in the running for Fiyero, supporting his brother during the process. 'It has to be one of us,' he remembered saying. A former Broadway Fiyero, McCartan said on his podcast The Stage Door in 2024, 'Jon M. Chu, you didn't cast me… but no hard feelings.' Sutherland got a 'double callback' for Fiyero and admitted on the Zach Sang Show in 2023 that he didn't expect to go that far. While she now stars as Glinda, Grande originally auditioned for Elphaba too. But it was her role as Glinda that won over the director. Erivo, who ultimately landed Elphaba, didn't need to fight hard once she auditioned-director Jon M. Chu said there was 'no denying it' when she walked in. While not part of the audition chaos, Bailey ultimately won the role of Fiyero, beating out several singers and actors who had vied for the part. Amanda Seyfried, Dove Cameron, and Renée Rapp all auditioned for Glinda but were not cast. No, Taylor Swift did not audition for the Wicked movie. Yes, Ariana Grande auditioned for both Glinda and Elphaba before landing the role of Glinda.


India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
"When I met her last time, she looked very happy...": Raza Murad expresses sorrow over Shefali Jariwala's sudden death
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 28 (ANI): Actor Raza Murad has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the untimely death of actress-model Shefali Jariwala, who passed away at the age of 42. Known for her iconic role in the 'Kaanta Laga' music video, Jariwala's sudden passing has sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry. Speaking to ANI, Murad said, 'Shefali Jariwala's death is such a shock, such a shock that no one could have imagined in their dreams. She had such a beautiful, such a glamorous, and such a happening personality. One song had given her the status of a superstar. She had created a sensation all over the world. She looked like a rock star.' Murad went on to recall his personal meeting with Jariwala, describing her as a lively and vibrant person. 'We met at an event in Chandigarh. She had a very lively heart. And when I met her last time, she looked very happy. She was glowing. Her eyes looked as if you were looking at two shining diamonds.' Murad added, 'We can only pray to God, for the peace of her soul, that wherever she lives, she should be happy. She had some sorrows and pains. Everyone has them. Now, she is free from all sorrows and pains.' Murad concluded, 'She has left us forever. But she has left her memories. She has left her song, which will always remain in our hearts and minds, in our memories, till the end of time.' Shefali Jariwala, whose career skyrocketed after her appearance in the hit 2002 music video 'Kaanta Laga', was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai on June 27, 2025, where she was declared dead upon arrival. While the exact cause of her death remains unclear, sources suggest that she may have suffered a cardiac arrest. Mumbai Police confirmed the news, 'Shefali Jariwala died at the age of 42. She lived in the Andheri area of Mumbai. Members of her family had reached the hospital with her late last night and she was declared brought dead by doctors there. Mumbai Police received information around 1 am last night. A postmortem is being done at Cooper Hospital. The cause of death is not yet clear.' The All Indian Cine Workers Association also expressed its grief over her passing on social media. In a heartfelt message, they wrote, 'Shefali Jariwala is no longer with us. Gone too soon at just 42 due to a sudden heart attack. It's hard to believe she's gone. May her soul rest in peace, and may God give strength to her family during this heartbreaking time.' Jariwala was widely celebrated for her 2002 appearance in 'Kaanta Laga', which became an iconic moment in Indian pop culture. She later expanded her career into Bollywood with notable roles in the 2004 film 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi', alongside Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. Additionally, she gained recognition on television with appearances in popular reality shows, including Bigg Boss 13 (2019) and Nach Baliye (seasons 5 and 7), where she participated alongside her husband, actor Parag Tyagi. Beyond her acting career, Shefali was an advocate for mental health awareness and women's empowerment. She openly discussed her struggles with epilepsy, using her platform to raise awareness and support others facing similar challenges. (ANI)