Known to daytime fans as Sonny and Carly’s spirited daughter Donna, Spears stepped onto the red carpet with confidence, charm, and a radiance far beyond her eight years,

instantly capturing the attention of photographers, fans, and media alike. But this was no ordinary red carpet appearance—this was the moment Spears officially announced herself

as a force to be reckoned with beyond the soap opera stage. The premiere, buzzing with anticipation for the follow-up to the 2024 blockbuster Wicked, saw Spears posing alongside none other

than Ariana Grande herself, who reprises her role as Glinda in the magical sequel. The chemistry between Spears, playing the young version of Grande’s iconic character, and the rest of the cast was palpable. Spears’ sparkling pink dress and matching furry coat complemented the dazzling New York lights, and her joyful energy lit up every frame captured by the cameras. Every interaction—from playful hair tosses to warm exchanges with cast members—underscored her natural charisma and ease in the limelight.

Spears, though young, approached the evening with professionalism and poise. In interviews with major outlets such as E! Entertainment and Access Hollywood, she candidly shared the excitement of stepping into the magical world of Wicked. Speaking with E!’s Justin Sylvester, Spears demonstrated how to toss her hair with flair, leaving the correspondent visibly impressed. Meanwhile, her interview with Access Hollywood’s Trisha Paytas revealed a heartfelt connection to her character: “Playing Young Glinda has been such a dream. I’ve learned so much about kindness, courage, and friendship. It’s truly changed me, for good.”

Meeting Ariana Grande, Spears admitted, was a dream come true. The young actress described the time spent on set together as unforgettable, bonding over scenes, rehearsals, and behind-the-scenes moments that made the experience as magical as the story itself. Their mentorship and collaboration not only strengthened Spears’ performance but also highlighted the camaraderie and supportive environment cultivated on the set of the blockbuster sequel.

Praise came swiftly from her co-stars as well. Ethan Slater, reprising his role as Boq, took a moment to commend Spears during an E! interview: “You’re so unbelievably good in this movie. And I can’t wait for people to see it. It’s really so sweet.” Such acknowledgment from seasoned performers confirms that Spears is more than just a talented child actress—she is a rising star whose skill and dedication are resonating with industry veterans and audiences alike.

The Wicked franchise, of course, carries a rich legacy. Based on the 2003 Broadway musical adapted from Gregory Maguire’s novel, it tells the story of the unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Galinda—the future Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. It explores themes of identity, choice, and the transformative power of friendship. Spears’ portrayal of Young Glinda bridges the gap between innocence and the charisma that Grande brings to the character, offering fans a deeper understanding of the beloved Good Witch’s formative years. The sequel promises to expand on the magical world of Oz, with Spears’ performance providing the youthful heart at its center.

Beyond the premiere, Spears’ rise in Hollywood shows no signs of slowing. Despite her busy filming schedule on General Hospital, where she continues to delight fans as Donna Corinthos, Spears is already looking ahead to additional projects. She revealed in interviews that she has two more films in the pipeline, signaling that her presence on both the big and small screens will continue to grow. For fans of GH and young film enthusiasts alike, this means they will be witnessing the early stages of a career that promises longevity, versatility, and remarkable talent.

Spears’ family shared glimpses of the magical night on their Instagram account, posting photos and videos directly from the red carpet. The very first post featured the heartwarming image of Spears standing alongside Ariana Grande, both smiling brilliantly for the cameras. The caption conveyed the magnitude of the experience:

“🎀🫧👑🩷💚 She has been changed, FOR GOOD. 🥹 Thank you, @jonmchu @arianagrande for changing this little girl’s life. 🩷🩷🩷 We are SO proud of this film, and so grateful Scarlett will FOREVER be a part of this. Prayers work, and dreams come true—more to come 🥹 #Thankful #Grateful #Blessed #YoungGlinda #ScarlettSpears”

The premiere also highlighted the remarkable ensemble cast of Wicked: For Good. Alongside Spears and Grande, the film features Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, Colman Domingo, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. Each brings depth, humor, and gravitas to the world of Oz, but it was Spears’ youthful energy and authenticity that became the undeniable highlight of the evening. Critics and fans alike are already anticipating the film’s release on November 21, eager to witness the chemistry, magical storytelling, and unforgettable performances firsthand.

Beyond the cameras and glitz, Spears’ moment at the premiere signifies more than just red carpet glamour. It represents the blossoming of a young actress stepping confidently into a larger world, navigating fame with grace and humility, and embracing opportunities that challenge and inspire her. Her excitement, humility, and professionalism serve as a reminder that age is no barrier to impact—Scarlett Spears is proving that talent, passion, and dedication can command the stage, the screen, and the hearts of audiences everywhere.

As the lights of the New York premiere fade and anticipation builds for the film’s official release, one thing is certain: Scarlett Spears is a name that will continue to sparkle in both daytime television and Hollywood cinema. With her performance as Young Glinda already leaving an indelible mark and her future projects lined up, Spears is poised to become one of the most celebrated young talents of her generation. The red carpet was only the beginning—a dazzling prelude to what promises to be a remarkable career filled with magic, artistry, and unforgettable moments.

In short, last night wasn’t just a premiere—it was the affirmation of a rising star’s potential, the celebration of her achievements, and the promise of a bright, inspiring future. Scarlett Spears, at just eight years old, continues to show the world that she is not only ready to take on iconic roles but also to redefine what it means to shine, sparkle, and succeed in the competitive world of entertainment.

Wicked: For Good opens in theaters on November 21, 2025, and it is a must-watch event for fans of magical storytelling, unforgettable performances, and rising young stars like Scarlett Spears. From daytime drama to cinematic wonder, Spears’ journey is only beginning, and Port Charles—and the world—is watching with awe.