Ariana Grande honors her roots, uses full name in ‘Wicked’ credits as tribute to childhood memories

Ariana Grande-Butera appears in ‘Wicked’ credits, honoring her childhood and early connection to the beloved musical.

Ariana Grande will be credited under her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera, in the upcoming ‘Wicked’ movie, a choice the singer-actor says reflects her personal connection to the iconic musical.

Known professionally as Ariana Grande, she explained in an interview with Australian journalist Justin Hill that using her “little girl name” felt like a tribute to her childhood when she first saw ‘Wicked’ at age 10. “It felt like a homecoming for me…honoring that moment,” she shared, calling the role “full circle” (Source: Justin Hill, November 2024).

Grande, who stars as Glinda the Good Witch alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, has long dreamed of playing Glinda. In 2011, she tweeted about her dream role, and later, in 2018, she performed “The Wizard and I” for NBC’s ‘Wicked’ 15th anniversary special. Originally cast in 2021, Grande’s portrayal is directed by Jon M. Chu, known for ‘Crazy Rich Asians,’ with a supporting cast including Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Peter Dinklage.

Kristin Chenoweth, the original Broadway Glinda, has praised Grande’s casting, sharing on Instagram, “From the moment we first met, I knew you were meant for this role.” Chenoweth and Grande met backstage on Broadway during Grande’s first ‘Wicked’ experience, a memory cherished by Grande who still treasures gifts from Chenoweth, including a wand and “magical” shower gel.

The film adaptation of ‘Wicked’ will be released in two parts, with the first debuting on November 22, 2024, and the second following in November 2025.