One of the most anticipated titles on the 2024 movie schedule is Wicked , which is adapted from the hit musical of the same name. The first part of John M. Chu’s long-awaited adaptation has drummed up considerable buzz, thanks in large part to the involvement of lead actresses Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande .
As excited as many people are, Grande has received critiques, specifically in regard to apparent changes in her speaking voice as a result of the film. Now, the songstress is responding to the backlash. Back in June, the Don’t Look Up alum appeared on Penn Badgley ’s Podcrushed podcast.
After the conversation was released, many took to social media and asserted that Ariana Grande’s speaking voice seemed somewhat airier. As noted in her Vanity Fair cover story, Ariana Grande noted on social media, at the time, that she “intentionally” changes her vocal placement depending on how much singing she’s doing. She punctuated those thoughts by saying she’s “always” done that and expanded on her process while speaking with VF: There is a part of the world that isn’t familiar with what it takes to transform your voice, whether it’s singing or taking on a different dialect for a role or doing a character voice for something.
On the whole, Ariana Grande appears to be chalking up her voice change to her commitment to her latest movie role. She’s set to play Glinda as part of the Wicked cast and is following in the footsteps of Kristin Chenoweth, who’s "gl.