Ariana Grande Honors Her Roots with ‘Grande-Butera’ Credit in ‘Wicked’
In the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, Ariana Grande-Butera takes on her most substantial acting role to date, playing Glinda opposite Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the movie embraces elements from the original Broadway production and The Wizard of Oz, delivering both subtle and overt nods for fans. Among these details, one personal touch has captivated Grande’s fanbase: she’s credited as “Ariana Grande-Butera,” her full birth name.
In an interview on The Streaming Service podcast, Ariana Grande-Butera explained the decision to use her full name as a way of coming “full circle.” She recounted her early connection to Wicked, recalling the first time she saw the show as a 10-year-old. “That was my name when I went to see the show,” she shared, emphasizing that including her full name felt like a fitting way to honor that memory. This sentiment resonates with the personal journey Ariana Grande-Butera experienced through her character and within the context of Wicked.
Ariana Grande-Butera’s birth name reflects her roots. Born on June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, she is the daughter of Joan Grande, a businesswoman, and Edward Butera, a graphic designer. While she’s always performed under the name Ariana Grande, the decision to include “Butera” in the film credits also signifies her reconnection with her father after years of estrangement. Their relationship has been publicly acknowledged in recent years, including Butera’s appearance alongside Ariana Grande-Butera and her mother at the 2020 Grammy Awards.
Ariana Grande-Butera’s journey to the role of Glinda was a long one. Since the Broadway musical’s premiere in 2003, Wicked has remained one of the most beloved productions in theater, with Tony Awards and a devoted fanbase solidifying its legacy. Ariana Grande-Butera, too, has held a longstanding connection to the character, expressing interest in the role since her early twenties. Her enthusiasm led her to repeatedly ask producer Marc Platt about casting updates, a dedication she playfully referred to as “stalking” over the years. Her persistence paid off when she was cast in 2021, a moment she described as “the most emotional day of my life.”
Ariana Grande-Butera’s acting experience began early, first gaining attention in the 2008 musical 13 and later becoming a household name on Nickelodeon’s Victorious and Sam and Cat. Over the years, she expanded into music, achieving chart-topping success and securing a spot as one of the most successful pop artists globally. Her acting roles have been more selective, with appearances in Zoolander 2 and Don’t Look Up, alongside voice roles in animated films. Still, Wicked marks a significant leap, combining her love for musical theater with her roots in pop culture.
With Wicked set for release, Ariana Grande-Butera’s full name in the credits underscores a reflective milestone in her journey, celebrating both her personal growth and professional accomplishments in a film she has long admired.
