Ariana Grande has proven once again that she’s the queen of impressions.
In a Vanity Fair video interview published Tuesday, the “Wicked” star, in conversation with co-star Bowen Yang, revealed she had to convince SNL head Lorne Michaels to let Yang take on his role as Pfannee in the blockbuster film.
“I initially wasn’t going to be in ‘Wicked’ due to an SNL conflict. But you called this person to ask him to let me do it. Did he give you any pushback?” Yang asked as an image of Michaels appears on the video.
Grande called Michaels and started out with niceties, but he quickly wanted her to get to the point.
“I would do anything if we could make it happen for Bowen to come be in ‘Wicked,’” she said in the video.
Quickly, Grande starts impersonating Michaels with a spot-on impression of the SNL creator.
“Well, you know, I mean he’s everyone’s favorite on the show. And that’s why you want him to be in “Wicked” so badly,” she said, in a curt tone, mimicking Michaels. “So we need him to be in the show, but if you can work something out.”
Grande said she is “so grateful” that Yang was able to appear in the films.
“Wicked: For Good” premieres in theaters on Nov. 21.