Ariana Grande just made an announcement so big it might just knock your ponytail right off. The 31-year-old pop princess, once a Nickelodeon teen with an octave range that probably haunted your dreams, is saying she’s ready for a little change. And no, she’s not retiring those high notes – but her next big move might just “scare the absolute s–t” out of her fans. So, what’s the deal?
Let’s rewind: Ariana started out in musical theater before anyone ever said, “What’s a ‘Grande’ coffee size?” So now, after conquering the entire universe with her chart-topping hits, she’s feeling a strong pull to return to her roots in musical theater. Think jazz hands instead of “thank u, next.” And who does she blame for this life-altering revelation? None other than her role in the Wicked movies! Apparently, once you play a green witch, there’s no going back.
Speaking on the Las Culturistas podcast (because of course she dropped this news somewhere trendy), Ariana explained that she’s still in the music game, but she’s ready to pump the brakes on the “pop star at warp speed” routine. In her words: “I’m always going to make music, I’m always going to go on stage, I’m always going to do pop stuff, I pinky promise.” (Pinky promises from Ariana Grande are basically like legally binding contracts.) But, here’s the twist – she’s looking at the next decade a little differently.
“I think reconnecting with this part of myself who started in musical theater, and who loves comedy, and it heals me to do that…” Ariana said, getting a bit misty-eyed. She’s talking about acting. Yes, Ariana Grande, the girl who gave us high ponytails and “7 Rings,” now wants to give us characters and voices and interpretive dance moves – okay, maybe not that last one. But she’s getting serious about finding roles that she says will “honor the material.” Translation: get ready for Ariana Grande, Broadway star. (And let’s all take a moment to imagine her in a pair of tap shoes.)
Ariana’s still gonna be making music, still gonna be singing the songs that make you accidentally belt out notes in the shower, but she’s also planning on bringing a little Broadway sparkle to her life. Which means…a musical theater revival could be coming our way.
Ariana’s about to make all her Arianators go full Wicked Witch-level green with excitement (or shock).