Ariana Grande shares the touching reason she chose to use her full name in the Wicked credits. Discover how this heartfelt tribute reflects her personal journey and honors her roots as she takes on her dream role in the iconic musical.
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Ariana Grande’s Personal Connection to Her Role in Wicked
Ariana Grande has always been transparent about her deep love for musical theater and her dream role in Wicked. When she was cast as Glinda, the bubbly, iconic character in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, fans worldwide celebrated with her. However, it was the use of her full name, “Ariana Grande-Butera,” in the movie credits that left many intrigued. This decision goes beyond a name change and is a tribute rooted in respect, family, and a nod to her past.
Grande has always had a close relationship with her family, and her Italian heritage is a huge part of her identity. By using her full name, she brings her heritage to the forefront, giving her family the recognition they deserve as she achieves one of her career’s most significant milestones. “This isn’t just about me,” Grande shared in an interview. “It’s about where I come from and the people who’ve supported me along the way.”
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Honoring Her Family and Heritage
The decision to use her full name was Grande’s way of acknowledging her heritage and honoring her family, particularly her Italian roots. Born Ariana Grande-Butera, she shortened her name to Ariana Grande professionally, but her full name remains an important part of her identity. By choosing to use it in the Wicked credits, Grande pays tribute to her family, especially her grandparents, who have been a guiding force in her life.
Grande has often spoken fondly of her family’s influence, particularly her grandfather, who supported her ambitions from a young age. “I feel like he’s with me every step of the way,” she’s shared. This name choice allows her to bring her family and heritage along with her on this journey. For Grande, stepping into the role of Glinda is a personal triumph, and using her full name in the credits makes it a family affair. It’s a way of carrying her roots into the global spotlight of one of Broadway’s most beloved stories.
A Nod to Her Theatre Roots
Before becoming a pop icon, Grande’s career began in musical theater. From an early age, she was drawn to the stage, taking part in local theater productions, where her talent quickly shone through. Her role in Wicked is a return to these roots, fulfilling a lifelong dream to perform in one of the most famous musicals of all time. Using her full name in the credits, she shows gratitude to the theater community that first welcomed her and to the early experiences that shaped her career.
Grande’s journey from theater kid to superstar has been nothing short of inspiring, and Wicked represents a coming full circle. In using “Ariana Grande-Butera” in the credits, she connects her past with her present. Fans familiar with her career know this is more than a name—it’s a tribute to the young girl who dreamed of Broadway and the woman who never lost sight of her love for the stage.
Don’t miss Ariana Grande’s performance as Glinda in Wicked! Follow her journey and witness her tribute to family and heritage in one of the most anticipated film adaptations of the year.
