If you thought Michelle Yeoh couldn’t possibly get more iconic, think again.

The Oscar-winning legend recently spoke to me, on The Movie Dweeb, and delivered what can only be described as the most Michelle Yeoh pep talk ever. The topic? Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s sensational turns in Wicked and their well-deserved buzz this award season.

When asked if she had any sage advice for the pair, Michelle did what she does best—kept it real. “They shouldn’t take advice from me,” she laughed, instantly winning me over (again). She took a trip down memory lane, recalling her own chaotic Golden Globe win. “The first time when I got my Golden Globe, I was cussing and swearing, and I was like, ‘Oh my god!’” She added, “People were saying, ‘Oh, you’re such an inspiration,’ and I was thinking, ‘I am the worst at giving speeches.’”

Classic Michelle—charming, unfiltered, and utterly relatable. But don’t let her modesty fool you; this Hollywood powerhouse knows greatness when she sees it. Talking about Wicked and its two stars, she lit up, saying, “Wicked is just so magnificent on its own, and Ariana and Cynthia—they got my vote.”

Let’s pause here for a second: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo being endorsed by Michelle Yeoh? That’s the ultimate stamp of approval. Like, I’d frame it if I were them.

So, there you have it. Michelle Yeoh may not think of herself as a speech expert, but when it comes to cheering on fellow performers, she’s a pro. Ariana and Cynthia, the bar has officially been raised—now go claim those trophies and make Michelle proud!

Both actresses have been celebrated for their transformative performances in Wicked, breathing life into the beloved characters of Glinda and Elphaba. Their ability to bring emotional depth, powerhouse vocals, and magnetic charisma to such iconic roles has left audiences—and critics—absolutely spellbound.

This is particularly monumental because Wicked isn’t just a musical; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The film adaptation of the Broadway smash has been a long time coming, and the pressure was on to deliver. Originally debuting on stage in 2003, Wicked smashed box office records, became a global sensation, and has consistently ranked among the highest-grossing Broadway productions of all time. With chart-topping songs like Defying Gravity and Popular, it redefined modern musical theatre.

The movie version has already started making history. It set records for its scale and ambition, with director Jon M. Chu splitting the adaptation into two epic films to ensure the story gets the grandeur it deserves. Early footage and stills have only amplified the excitement, showing off jaw-dropping sets, costumes, and of course, Grande and Erivo’s vocal mastery.

If Ariana and Cynthia take home Oscars for their roles, Wicked will join the ranks of stage-to-screen adaptations that have triumphed at the Academy Awards, including Chicago and Les Misérables. It would also cement both stars as dual threats in acting and music, with Ariana already a global pop superstar and Cynthia an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony winner inching closer to EGOT status.