Ariana Grande is Completely Star Struck By 'Hairspray Live!' Co-Star Kristin Chenoweth

Ariana Grande has a soft spot in her heart for Broadway. It was the place that launched her career, after all. Growing up, she was a massive fan of Wicked, and geeked out over watching Kristin Chenoweth portray Glinda. So the chance to work alongside one of her theatrical idols in her latest role has Ariana completely over the moon.

At the press day for Hairspray Live!, Kristin told Just Jared the heartwarming story of how the duo first met. “I’ve known her and her brother since they came backstage at Wicked to meet me and they were little bitty nuggets,” she revealed. Ariana squealed with enthusiasm. “She gave me a shower gel that I used the smallest amount of every day for fucking ever!” she exclaimed. “She’s inspired me so much! I love her!”

Fortunately for Ariana, her costar shares her affections. “I love her like she’s my own kid,” she explains. “I was online the other night in the middle of the night missing her and thinking I was missing out because I was on Broadway,” Kristin tells Just Jared. “I listened her sing “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” and I thought, ‘Here’s my baby. A baby. Singing this song, making it her own”‘ and now I want her to do a whole album of that. But that’s for another time.”

“It’s for whenever you want. Executive produced by Kristin Chenoweth!” Ariana replied.

Hairspray Live! airs on Wednesday, December 7 at 8PM ET/PT on NBC. Be sure to watch!

Listen to the stream and download the full soundtrack for Hairspray Live! as well.

�” Reporting by Nicole Pajer