Ariana Grande Goes Full Circle: Credits Herself as “Grande-Butera” in Wicked Movie 🎭

November 5, 2024

Ariana Grande is adding a bit of her OG self to her role as Glinda in the upcoming movie-musical Wicked. In a touching nod to her roots, she’s going by her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera, for the credits, and fans are all about it!

During a recent interview on the Wicked press tour, she shared the meaning behind the name choice. When asked about the “symbolism” of using her full name, Ariana explained, “Technically, it’s my little girl name… It felt like a really lovely way of honoring that.” She went on to say that this role has been a “homecoming” for her—a way to reconnect with the girl who fell in love with Wicked when she saw it at just 10 years old.

But get this: Ariana almost didn’t land the role! Wicked director Jon M. Chu originally wanted to cast “no-namers” for the iconic leads, thinking it’d bring a fresh start to such a massive project. “I wanted a clear slate… I was like, ‘We’re gonna find no-namers,’” Chu told SFX Magazine. But after seeing countless auditions, he realized Grande and co-star Cynthia Erivo were truly meant to bring Glinda and Elphaba to life.

Chu also revealed how crucial it was to have artists with serious “chops” who could move seamlessly in and out of song. “The music is so emotionally important,” he said. It had to be effortless, something Grande and Erivo handle like pros.

Wicked: Part One arrives in theaters on November 22, and with Ariana fully embracing her roots and a cast handpicked to perfection, it’s shaping up to be the musical event of the year!

Written by: MJ