Ariana Grande’s surprising name choice in ‘Wicked’ explained.
Ariana Grande has her fans talking after revealing a deeply personal reason behind her unique name choice for the upcoming Wicked movie credits.
In a departure from her stage name, the star will be credited as Ariana Grande-Butera, her full birth name, stirring both curiosity and admiration from her fanbase.
But honoring her roots with her full name isn’t the only transformation she embraced—Ariana even altered her vocal style for the film.
Known for her powerhouse pop voice, Grande adapted her tone to fit Glinda, raising the pitch to bring out the character’s classic lightness and purity.
Plot of ‘Wicked’ explained.
The new Wicked movie adaptation explores the untold backstory of the witches of Oz, focusing on the complex 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, it delves into themes of acceptance, societal judgment, and the quest for identity.
The story reveals how Elphaba’s determination to fight for what is right leads to her eventual transformation into the iconic villain.
With a blend of enchanting music, dazzling visuals, and a powerful narrative, the film promises to reimagine the beloved Broadway musical for a new generation.
Ariana’s journey to grandeur detailed.
Grande’s roots trace back to her Italian-American family, where her last name, Butera, reflects her father’s side, and Grande her mother’s.
Born and raised in Boca Raton, Florida, Ariana’s early days were filled with musical theater, which clearly laid the foundation for her Wicked dreams.
Fans might remember Grande’s early days on Nickelodeon’s Victorious, where her signature red hair and powerful voice gained a loyal following.
But few know her stage debut came even earlier—in community theater, she starred in productions like Annie and Beauty and the Beast, further fueling her love for musicals.
When she wasn’t on stage, young Ariana was likely belting Broadway songs, creating her lifelong passion for theater, especially for Wicked, which became an obsession.
The role of Glinda—traditionally bubbly, light-hearted, and morally optimistic—is a fit for Grande, who’s shown her versatility from pop anthems to heartfelt ballads.
Playing Glinda brought her back to a time when she first felt awe watching Kristin Chenoweth, the original Broadway Glinda, perform the role she now embodies.
Chenoweth, now a close friend and mentor to Grande, likely influenced this dream role, making the experience even more “full circle,” as Grande describes it.
Fans, eager for a sneak peek at Wicked, were thrilled to hear that Grande’s real name will take center stage in the film’s credits, marking a rare move in the celebrity world.
Ariana’s dedication to ‘Wicked’ revealed.
Grande expressed how vital it was to “protect” this experience, as it’s a deeply personal achievement she feels represents her whole journey.
She shared with Vanity Fair that the level of vocal work and character preparation she poured into Glinda is often underappreciated in female actors.
“When it’s a male actor doing it, it’s praised,” she noted, adding that these roles come with immense vocal and emotional transformation.
Oscar buzz is already circulating around the film, and Grande’s bold choice in both her performance and name change has fans eagerly anticipating its release.
In recent interviews, she stood by her work, sharing that she poured “100 percent” into the character, even embodying Glinda physically.
Critics may come, but Grande’s fans can count on her to meet them with equal parts grace and grit—a fitting tribute to her character and her roots.
This decision to go by Grande-Butera speaks to her larger journey, reminding fans that Ariana’s journey is still unfolding, one role at a time.
Reason for ‘Wicked’ name credits revealed.
This choice is more than just a formal touch—it’s a heartfelt tribute to a younger Ariana, and, as she says, the girl who first fell in love with Wicked.
Taking on the role of Glinda the Good Witch, Grande says this choice reflects “little Ari’s name”—a nickname that pulls her back to her roots.
The singer revealed this touching backstory during an interview on The Streaming Service with Justin Hill, ahead of Wicked’s release.
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.”
The nod to her past isn’t just sentimental—it’s also a reflection of her journey and growth, she shared.
“It’s like I’m honoring the little girl who dreamed big when she first saw Wicked,” Grande said, noting that Glinda’s character had a profound impact on her.
“It felt really full circle, and it was something I wanted to do,” she said, clearly aware of the statement it makes.
As Ariana Grande-Butera steps into the spotlight as Glinda, she not only honors her past but also inspires countless fans to embrace their true selves, making Wicked a testament to both her journey and her artistry.