Universal Pictures
Ariana Grande has shared why she chose to be credited under her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera, in the upcoming “Wicked” film adaptation.
The pop star, 31, plays Glinda the Good Witch in the first part of the two-film series, set to hit theaters Nov. 22.
Though known professionally as Ariana Grande, the singer surprised audiences at early screenings of “Wicked” by using her full name in the credits. In a recent interview with Australian reporter Justin Hill, Grande explained that using her “little girl name” felt like a way to honor her deep connection to the musical.
Ariana Grande in “Wicked.” Universal Pictures
Grande as Glinda (right) and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in the film “Wicked.” Universal Pictures
“Technically, it’s my little girl name,” Grande explained. “It felt like a homecoming for me. I feel like I came home to myself in many ways, learning from Glinda and Elphaba. That was the name I had when I first saw ‘Wicked’ at 10 years old, and it just felt like a lovely way of honoring that moment. It felt full circle.”
