Transformation and Voice: Ariana Grande responds to Criticism

Ariana Grande’s vocal transformation for Wicked

Ariana Grande, the renowned pop singer, has recently voiced her thoughts on the criticism she has faced regarding the changes in her voice for her role in the upcoming film, Wicked. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Grande as Glinda alongside Cynthia Erivo, this film is based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 book. The internet has been abuzz with comments about Grande’s varied vocal registers since her appearance on Penn Badgley’s podcast, Podcrushed.

Addressing the online backlash

Upon facing mockery on TikTok for seemingly different speaking voices, Grande took to the platform to explain, “I intentionally change my vocal placement (high/low) often depending on how much singing I’m doing. I’ve always done this BYE.”

In a candid interview, the singer elaborated on the complexities behind voice transformation: “There is a part of the world that isn’t familiar with what it takes to transform your voice, whether it’s singing, taking on a different dialect for a role, or doing a character voice for something.”

Double standards in the industry

Grande also touched upon the prevalent double standards when it comes to male actors altering their voices for roles. “When it’s a male actor that does it, it’s acclaimed. There are definitely jokes that are made as well, but it’s always after being led with praise: ‘Oh, wow, he was so lost in the role.’ And that’s just a part of the job, really,” she remarked. She further added, “Tale as old as time being a woman in this industry. You are treated differently, and you are under a microscope in a way that some people aren’t.”

Austin Butler’s similar experience

Austin Butler faced similar scrutiny for his vocal transformation in the Oscar-nominated Elvis movie. Butler mentioned, “I don’t even think about it. I don’t think I sound like him still, but I guess I must because I hear it a lot. I often liken it to when somebody lives in another country for a long time, and I had three years where that was my only focus in life. So I’m sure that there are just pieces of my DNA that will always be linked in that way.”

Grande’s pride in her role

Despite the conversations around her voice while promoting Wicked, Grande expressed her pride in her dedication to the role. “It’s something that I’m just really proud of. Part of why I did want to engage [on TikTok] is because I am really proud of my hard work and of the fact that I did give 100 percent of myself, including my physicality, to this role. I am proud of that, so I wanted to protect it,” she stated.

Wicked’s upcoming release

The anticipation for the first of Jon M. Chu’s two Wicked movies is mounting, with the release scheduled for November 27. Ariana Grande’s commitment to her role as Glinda highlights the dedication and skill actors bring to their performances, often facing scrutiny for the very attributes that indicate their professional growth and versatility.

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