Ariana Grande'S Heartfelt Tribute: Why She Kept Her Full Name In 'Wicked' Credits - BABEOfficial 2025

Ariana's Emotional Tribute

Ariana Grande is taking the world by storm again, reprising her role as Glinda in the much-anticipated sequel, 'Wicked: For Good.' But it's not just her performance that's capturing hearts – it's her decision to be credited under her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera. This choice is deeply personal, reflecting her renewed bond with her father, Edward Butera, who was there to support her at the Paris premiere.

A Name with a Legacy

Back in 2024, Ariana opened up about this decision, sharing that it was a way to honor her father amid their reconciled relationship. "I just feel like this experience was such a homecoming for me," she expressed with palpable emotion. "[Ariana Grande-Butera] was my name when I went to see the show at 10 years old, and it felt like a really lovely way of honoring that."

"He cried [when he saw the credits]," Ariana shared, reflecting on her father's emotional reaction. "I wanted to capture that moment of coming home to myself and honoring little Ari."

A Full Circle Moment

The world premiere in Sydney brought another layer of sentimentality when a reporter asked Ariana why she chose her full name. Her response highlighted a journey of self-discovery and reconnection. "It felt really full circle," she said, noting how 'Wicked' helped her rediscover parts of herself that the industry had overshadowed.

Director Jon M. Chu played a pivotal role in this heartwarming moment. He sent Ariana the credits early, allowing her to surprise her dad with a sneak peek. "I recorded him secretly," she revealed, emphasizing the emotional weight of the moment.

Transforming into Glinda

Ariana's passion for 'Wicked' is no secret. As a devoted fan of the Broadway musical, she worked tirelessly to embody Glinda. In a candid chat with Variety, she explained how she "deconstructed" her pop persona to prove she could take on the iconic role. "I had to completely erase pop star Ari," she admitted, showing her dedication to the craft.

With the first part of Jon M. Chu's adaptation already out and the sequel slated for a November 2025 release, fans are eagerly awaiting to see more of Ariana Grande-Butera's enchanting performance. Grab your tickets now – it's a magical journey you won't want to miss!