LOS ANGELES — When Ariana Grande learned she was to play Glinda in the movie "Wicked," she made a vow. "I love her so much," she told director Jon M. Chu through tears on a video call in 2021.

"I'm gonna take such good care of her." Grande made good on that promise. But where co-star Cynthia Erivo seems likely to attract awards buzz for the deeply emotional "Defying Gravity," Grande's chops, .

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