Ariana Grande-Butera is stepping into the spotlight with a heartfelt tribute to her roots in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked. The 31-year-old pop sensation, known for her powerhouse vocals and chart-topping hits, has chosen to use her full birth name in the film’s credits, a decision that resonates deeply with her personal journey and childhood memories.
In an intimate conversation with podcaster Justin Hill, Grande revealed that this choice is more than just a nod to her heritage; it symbolizes a profound homecoming. “Technically, it’s my little girl name,” she shared, explaining that Grande is her mother Joan’s surname while Butera comes from her father Ed. Their divorce when Ariana was just eight years old adds another layer of significance to this decision.
Grande expressed how *Wicked* has allowed her to reconnect with herself. “This experience was such a homecoming for me. I feel like I came home to myself in a lot of ways through what I learned from Glinda and Elphaba,” she said, referencing the characters she portrays alongside co-star Cynthia Erivo. For Ariana, using her full name is a way to honor the little girl who first fell in love with the musical at age ten. “It felt like a really lovely way of honoring that. It felt really full-circle,” she added.
The film Wicked, which opens on November 22, tells the untold story of Elphaba, the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West, and her friendship with Glinda, the Good Witch. Grande’s connection to the musical runs deep; she recalls seeing it with her grandmother and feeling an instant bond with original Glinda star Kristin Chenoweth. “She gave me a wand and this little pink sparkly shower gel that I think I used a tiny drop of every day for the next three years,” Grande reminisced fondly.
As Grande prepares for this new chapter in her career, she also reflects on her personal growth, including mending her relationship with her father after years of estrangement. This journey has shaped not only who she is as an artist but also as a person.
With Wicked, Ariana Grande is not just taking on a role—she’s embracing her past and celebrating the woman she has become. As fans eagerly await the film’s release, it’s clear that this project holds special meaning for Grande, making it one of the most anticipated performances of her career.
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