Ariana Grande’s surprising move in Wicked credits sparks curiosity.
Ariana Grande is making waves with a surprising choice in her highly anticipated role in Wicked.
As Glinda the Good Witch, she’ll appear in the credits by her real name.
The movie’s credits aren’t the only thing catching viewers’ attention, though.
Ariana’s creative choices explained.
Ariana’s choice to use a unique, higher-pitched voice for Glinda has also been hotly debated.
Addressing the criticism, she defended her creative choices in a recent Vanity Fair interview.
“Transforming your voice takes skill,” she explained, likening it to any actor’s immersion into a role.
The 31-year-old drew attention to a double standard, noting that male actors are often praised for similar efforts.
“When a guy does it, people say he’s lost in the role,” she pointed out.
It’s clear Ariana poured herself into the character, defending her vocal decisions with pride.
Her boyfriend, Ethan Slater, also chimed in on her dedication.
“She gave everything to this role,” he said in October.
But using her real name might be her most daring choice yet, signaling a fresh chapter.
With the twist of adding her true name to the film credits, Grande joins a unique club of celebrities who use birth names as an authentic nod to family ties.
The surprising origins behind celebrities’ iconic names unveiled.
Known as pop royalty today, Katy Perry ditched her given name, Katheryn Hudson, to stand out in the industry, choosing her mother’s maiden name for that perfect pop star punch.
Miley Cyrus was destined for fame from the start, born Destiny Hope—but her beaming childhood nickname “Smiley” became “Miley,” capturing her iconic, carefree spirit.
Transforming into Lady Gaga, Stefani Germanotta drew inspiration from Queen’s legendary hit to establish a unique and powerful brand.
Action star Vin Diesel turned heads by swapping out his birth name, Mark Sinclair, for something edgier, ready-made for Hollywood’s fast lane.
Similarly, Bruno Mars swapped his birth name, Peter Hernandez, for a catchy alias that matches his larger-than-life style.
Ariana Grande’s full name revealed.
Her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera, pays tribute to her roots, showcasing both her mother’s and father’s surnames.
This decision is sparking curiosity, especially among fans used to her stage persona.
For many, the choice feels personal—revealing an intimate side of Ariana often hidden behind the stage lights.
But this change isn’t just a random switch.
Reason for name switch exposed.
Grande-Butera reflects a renewed closeness to her father, Ed Butera, after a history of estrangement.
Ariana has shared glimpses of her family’s impact on her, including the difficult journey of reconnecting with her dad.
Back in 2014, she opened up about her struggles with their relationship, calling it “one of the hardest things.”
After years apart, Ariana and her father reconnected, which led to him joining her backstage in 2019.
She even adjusted song lyrics in 2020, signaling a shift in their bond.
So, seeing “Grande-Butera” feels like a tribute to that journey—a quiet, personal acknowledgment.
For Ariana, Wicked marks not only a professional triumph but a deeply personal milestone.
As Wicked’s release draws near, the star’s name choice adds depth to her highly-watched role.
Fans, get ready—Wicked hits theaters November 22, giving Ariana a spotlight unlike any other.
And yes, “Grande-Butera” will be there to take her final bow.