Ariana Grande is making a bold statement in the highly anticipated Wicked film adaptation, and it’s not just about her portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch. The singer and actress, who has amassed an immense following under her stage name, is opting for something more personal in this production—she’ll be credited using her full birth name, Ariana Grande-Butera.
Grande, who has always been known professionally by her stage name, is taking a more grounded approach for this film. Her decision to go by her real name in the end credits is sure to catch the attention of viewers. The Wicked film, where she stars alongside Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, and Bowen Yang, will see Grande-Butera stepping into the beloved role of Glinda, a character known for her light-hearted and bubbly nature.
Her full name, which combines her father Edward Butera’s surname with her mother Joan Grande’s, offers a nod to her family and heritage. It’s a striking departure from the moniker that has defined her career thus far. Her half-brother, Frankie Grande, has also used a shortened version of his full name, which is Frank James Michael Grande Marchione, as his professional identity. However, Ariana’s choice to go by her full name seems to reflect a deeper connection to her roots, perhaps signaling a more intimate approach to her work on this project.
This name change isn’t the only notable detail in Wicked. Fans will also notice that Ariana’s portrayal of Glinda features a voice that is noticeably higher pitched than her natural speaking voice. This creative choice, however, was met with criticism earlier in the year. Ariana, undeterred by the backlash, took the opportunity to explain her artistic decision.
In a September interview with Vanity Fair, Ariana addressed the criticism of her voice transformation, acknowledging the challenge that comes with altering one’s voice for a role. “There is a part of the world that isn’t familiar with what it takes to transform your voice,” she explained. “Whether it’s singing or taking on a different dialect for a role or doing a character voice for something.”
She pointed out the double standard that often exists when it comes to actors taking on roles that require a transformation, especially in regard to male actors. “When it’s a male actor that does it, it’s acclaimed,” she said. “There are definitely jokes that are made as well, but it’s always after being led with praise: ‘Oh, wow, he was so lost in the role.’ And that’s just a part of the job, really.” Ariana’s defense of her vocal choice indicates that she isn’t letting criticism get in the way of her artistic expression, and she’s committed to bringing her own interpretation to the iconic role of Glinda.
With her name change in the credits and a fresh take on the beloved character, Ariana Grande is reminding audiences that she’s more than just a pop star—she’s an actress ready to make her mark in a major Hollywood production. Whether it’s through her voice, her name, or her performance, Ariana’s involvement in Wicked will undoubtedly be a memorable one for fans and newcomers alike.