Ariana Grande’s surprising name choice in ‘Wicked’ explained.
Ariana Grande has sparked conversation among her fans after sharing the deeply personal reason behind her distinctive name choice in the credits of the upcoming Wicked movie.
In a departure from her stage name, Ariana Grande will be credited as Ariana Grande-Butera in the upcoming Wicked movie, using her full birth name, which has sparked both curiosity and admiration among her fans.
But honoring her roots with her full name isn’t the only transformation Ariana embraced—she also changed her vocal style for the film.
Known for her powerhouse pop voice, Grande adjusted her tone to embody Glinda, raising the pitch to capture the character’s signature lightness and purity.
Plot of ‘Wicked’ explained.
The upcoming Wicked movie adaptation delves into the untold origins of the witches of Oz, highlighting the intricate friendship between Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch.
Set before and during the events of The Wizard of Oz, the film explores themes of acceptance, societal judgment, and the search for personal identity.
The story unveils how Elphaba’s unwavering commitment to fighting for what is right ultimately leads to her transformation into the iconic villain.
With a mix of captivating music, stunning visuals, and a compelling storyline, the film promises to reimagine the beloved Broadway musical for a whole new generation.
Ariana’s journey to grandeur detailed.
Grande’s heritage is deeply rooted in her Italian-American background, with her last name, Butera, coming from her father’s side, and Grande from her mother’s side.
Born and raised in Boca Raton, Florida, Ariana’s childhood was immersed in musical theater, which undoubtedly set the stage for her dreams of starring in Wicked.
Fans may recall Grande’s breakout role on Nickelodeon’s Victorious, where her iconic red hair and powerhouse vocals earned her a dedicated fanbase.
What many don’t know is that Grande’s stage debut happened even earlier in community theater, where she starred in productions like Annie and Beauty and the Beast, deepening her passion for musicals.
Offstage, young Ariana was likely singing her heart out to Broadway tunes, sparking a lifelong love for theater—especially Wicked, which quickly became her obsession.
The role of Glinda—typically cheerful, lighthearted, and morally optimistic—suits Grande well, showcasing her range from energetic pop anthems to soulful ballads.
Now a close friend and mentor to Grande, Chenoweth likely played a role in inspiring this dream part, making the experience feel even more “full circle,” as Grande puts it.
Fans, eager for a glimpse of Wicked, were thrilled to learn that Grande’s real name will appear in the film’s credits, a unique choice in the world of celebrities.
Ariana’s dedication to ‘Wicked’ revealed.
Grande shared how important it was to “protect” this experience, describing it as a deeply personal milestone that embodies her entire journey.
She revealed to Vanity Fair that the vocal work and character preparation she dedicated to portraying Glinda often go underappreciated for female actors.
“When a male actor does it, it’s celebrated,” she observed, adding that roles like these demand intense vocal and emotional transformation.
Oscar buzz is already building around the film, with Grande’s daring performance and name change fueling fan excitement for its release.
In recent interviews, she reaffirmed her dedication, revealing that she gave “100 percent” to the character, even fully embodying Glinda physically.
Critics may come, but Grande’s fans can trust she’ll face them with a balance of grace and determination—a perfect reflection of her character and her roots.
Her choice to go by Grande-Butera reflects her broader journey, reminding fans that Ariana’s story is still evolving, one role at a time.
Reason for ‘Wicked’ name credits revealed.
This choice goes beyond a formal gesture—it’s a heartfelt tribute to a younger Ariana, the girl who first fell in love with Wicked, as she herself describes it.
Taking on the role of Glinda the Good Witch, Grande explains that this decision reflects “little Ari’s name”—a nickname that reconnects her with her roots.
Grande explained, “This experience felt like a homecoming for me … it was my name when I went to see the show at age 10, and it felt like a lovely way of honoring that.”
Grande said, “It’s like I’m honoring the little girl who dreamed big when she first saw Wicked,” adding that Glinda’s character had a deep impact on her.
