"I have something extremely exciting and special," Barrymore, 49, announced during the segment. "This wand was once owned by the Smithsonian and is now in private hands. But for this occasion, it has been loaned to us. Bring out the original Glinda wand, please!"
As the star-topped wand—used by Billie Burke as Glinda the Good Witch in the iconic film—was revealed, Grande, 31, was visibly emotional. "Thank you so much," she said, wiping away tears. "Are you serious right now?" The singer-actress then humorously pretended to walk off set with the wand, saying, "Thank you, guys, it's been fun. Bye!"
Barrymore couldn't help but admire Grande's reaction. "You look so perfect with it," she said.
Grande stars as Glinda in the upcoming two-part film adaptation of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu. The role is a nod to Billie Burke's portrayal of the Good Witch in the original Wizard of Oz film, which was based on L. Frank Baum's beloved books. Burke, who passed away in 1970, became synonymous with the role of Glinda.
"How did you even pull this off?" Grande asked Barrymore, her voice filled with emotion. "Oh, my God, did you break in?"
Barrymore credited her team for making the special moment happen. "Everyone on the show was so excited about you coming here," she explained. "That is the original wand from The Wizard of Oz. So there you go."
The heartfelt surprise was a testament to Grande's dedication to her role in Wicked, a story that explores the origins of Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West. For Grande, holding the original wand was a full-circle moment, connecting her performance in Wicked to the timeless magic of The Wizard of Oz.
The emotional encounter showcased Grande's genuine appreciation for the legacy of her character and added an unforgettable memory to her journey as Glinda.
