Stephen Schwartz Reveals Secret Requests Behind Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's New Wicked: For Good Songs

How do you add new layers to a 20-year-old masterpiece? Composer Stephen Schwartz just did exactly that. In an exclusive interview on January 4, 2026, the legendary lyricist shared the intimate creative process behind the new tracks written for 'Wicked: For Good', featuring icons Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

The Creative Process of Stephen Schwartz Wicked For Good New Songs

Schwartz revealed that working with vocal powerhouses like Erivo and Grande allowed him to focus on emotional authenticity rather than just technical difficulty. For Elphaba’s new anthem, 'No Place Like Home', Cynthia Erivo requested specific word changes to manage phrasing and breathing. The song flips Dorothy's classic Wizard of Oz line, turning it into a powerful song of resistance for the Wicked Witch of the West.

Meanwhile, Ariana Grande worked closely with Schwartz on vocal placement for 'Girl in the Bubble'. The song captures Glinda’s transformation as she sheds her public soprano persona and embraces her authentic private chest voice. Grande described the moment as "sacred," marking the pivotal second when Glinda’s protective shield finally pops.

Collaboration and Vocal Mastery

Schwartz emphasized that both stars have "extraordinary vocal instruments," making the collaboration a matter of fine-tuning rather than teaching. Erivo noted that singing on the Yellow Brick Road felt "iconic and special," adding a layer of historical weight to the new material.