Honestly, if you grew up in the 2010s, you didn't just watch Victorious. You survived it. And at the center of that chaotic, scissor-filled whirlwind was Jade West. Looking back, Elizabeth Gillies from Victorious wasn't just playing a character; she was basically a cultural reset for every kid who felt a little too "alt" for the sunshine-and-rainbows vibe of typical Nickelodeon leads.
She was mean. She was scary. She had those iconic blue and green streaks in her hair that we all tried (and failed) to replicate with hair chalk. But why is it that in 2026, we’re still talking about her?
It’s because Liz Gillies did something most teen actors couldn't. She made a "villain" the most relatable person in the room.
The Audition That Changed Everything
Most people don't realize that Elizabeth Gillies and Ariana Grande didn't meet on the set of Hollywood Arts. They were actually Broadway babies together. They starred in 13: The Musical back in 2008. Liz played Lucy—another "mean girl" role—and Ari played Charlotte.
When Dan Schneider was casting Victorious, he basically plucked them from the stage and dropped them into the Nick studios. But there was a problem. Everyone was a brunette.
Nickelodeon executives were terrified that kids would get the girls confused. Seriously. So, they made Ariana dye her hair "Red Velvet" (a move that famously destroyed her natural hair for years) and they gave Liz those signature "skunk" streaks and a wardrobe that looked like it was raided from a Hot Topic clearance rack.
Why Jade West Wasn't Just a "Mean Girl"
Jade was supposed to be the antagonist. She was the barrier between Tori Vega and her "rightful" place at the top of the school. But a weird thing happened. Fans started rooting for the girl with the coffee addiction and the obsession with The Scissoring.
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Liz Gillies has talked about this in interviews, especially recently as the cast has "reprocessed" their time on the show through a more adult lens. She famously said she loved playing Jade because she wasn't "sociopathic"—she was just guarded. She was sweet with Beck. She was fiercely protective of her art.
The Real Dynamic Between Liz and Victoria Justice
For years, the internet tried to manufacture a feud between Elizabeth Gillies and Victoria Justice. It’s the classic trope: the "star" vs. the "edgy rival." But the truth is way more boring. They were actually friends.
The "I think we ALL sing" meme that lives rent-free on TikTok? Total blow-out of proportion. In reality, the cast was a tight-knit group of teenagers working 14-hour days. Liz was often the one keeping everyone grounded with her dry humor.
That One Song: "Give It Up"
If you want to know why Liz Gillies became a star, you just have to watch the "Freak the Freak Out" episode. When she and Ariana Grande performed "Give It Up," it was over for everyone else.
The vocals were insane.
The chemistry was undeniable.
It remains one of the most-streamed songs from the series because it showcased Liz’s raspy, rock-inflected belt. It wasn't the "bubblegum pop" sound Nick usually pushed. It was raw.
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Life After Hollywood Arts
When Victorious ended abruptly in 2013, fans were devastated. There was no proper finale. No graduation. Just... gone.
While some cast members struggled to find their footing, Liz Gillies pivoted perfectly. She didn't try to stay a "teen star." She went to FX and played Gigi in Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, where she got to lean into her rockstar aesthetic for real.
And then came Dynasty.
As Fallon Carrington, Liz basically played an adult, billionaire version of Jade West. She took that "bad girl" energy and turned it into a powerhouse performance that lasted five seasons. She even directed episodes. She proved that she wasn't just a girl who could wear a goth wig; she was a legitimate force in the industry.
What's Happening in 2026?
As of right now, the nostalgia for Victorious is at an all-time high. Elizabeth Gillies has recently returned to her roots on Broadway, starring in the revival of Little Shop of Horrors.
But here’s the kicker: there is serious talk about a spinoff.
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Reports from early 2025 suggested that Daniella Monet (who played Trina) is developing a show called Hollywood Arts. When asked if she’d come back, Liz didn't hesitate. She told PEOPLE that she’d "always toss on that wig" if the script was smart.
Imagine a 30-something Jade West. She probably owns a successful indie film studio and still drinks her coffee black with two sugars.
The "Quiet on Set" Effect
We can't talk about Elizabeth Gillies from Victorious without acknowledging the elephant in the room. The 2024 documentary Quiet on Set changed how a lot of us view Nickelodeon.
Liz and Ariana Grande actually sat down and watched it together. They spent hours on FaceTime "breaking the whole thing down." Liz has been very open about the fact that while she has incredibly positive memories, looking back as an adult "reframes" things. They leaned on each other. That friendship isn't just for the cameras; it’s a decade-plus of "being in the trenches" together.
Why the Legacy of Jade West Still Matters
Jade taught a generation of girls that it was okay to be "difficult." She wasn't a people-pleaser. She didn't smile if she didn't want to.
In a world of curated Instagram feeds and "clean girl" aesthetics, the messy, aggressive, fiercely talented Jade West feels like a breath of fresh air.
If you're looking to dive back into the world of Elizabeth Gillies from Victorious, here is how to do it right:
- Watch "Jade Gets Crushed": It’s arguably her best acting in the series. You see the vulnerability behind the scissors.
- Listen to "You Don't Know Me": Liz actually wrote this song herself for the show. It’s 100% her vibe.
- Follow her current jazz projects: She’s been collaborating with Seth MacFarlane on some incredible vocal albums that show off her range way better than Nickelodeon ever did.
- Check out the Dynasty clips on TikTok: If you miss Jade’s sass, Fallon Carrington is the spiritual successor you need.
The "mean girl" trope usually dies out when a show ends. But Elizabeth Gillies made Jade West immortal. She wasn't just the girl who hated Tori Vega; she was the girl who taught us how to stand our ground. And honestly? We’re still taking notes.