In a stunning career pivot that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, pop sensation Ariana Grande is trading chart-topping hits for chilling horror scenes. The multi-talented performer has officially joined the cast of FX's acclaimed anthology series American Horror Story for its thirteenth season.
The casting revelation came directly from series creator Ryan Murphy, who took to social media to announce Grande's participation alongside fellow returning star Emma Roberts. This marks Grande's first major television acting role since her departure from Nickelodeon's Sam & Cat nearly a decade ago.
From Music Charts to Horror Scenes
Grande, who boasts one of the largest social media followings in the world with over 380 million Instagram followers, brings immense star power to the horror franchise. Her casting represents one of the most significant additions to the American Horror Story ensemble in recent years.
The announcement has generated explosive reactions across social media platforms, with fans expressing both excitement and surprise at the unexpected career move. Many are speculating about what type of character the Thank U, Next singer might portray in the notoriously dark and twisted universe.
A Proven Acting Pedigree
While primarily known for her record-breaking music career, Grande is no stranger to acting. The performer began her career on Broadway in 13 before achieving mainstream fame as Cat Valentine in Nickelodeon's Victorious and its spinoff Sam & Cat.
Her return to scripted television represents a full-circle moment for the star, who has occasionally expressed interest in returning to her acting roots between musical projects and her upcoming role as Glinda in the film adaptation of Wicked.
Season 13 Speculation Heats Up
The specific theme and plot details for American Horror Story Season 13 remain tightly under wraps, as is typical for Murphy's productions. However, the inclusion of both Grande and Roberts suggests the season may feature younger ensemble characters than recent installments.
Production is expected to begin shortly, with the season likely to premiere in late 2024 or early 2025 on FX. The series continues to be one of cable television's most consistent performers, maintaining strong viewership numbers throughout its twelve-season run.
This casting coup represents another example of Murphy's ability to attract A-list talent to his projects, following previous high-profile additions including Lady Gaga, Stevie Nicks, and Macaulay Culkin to the American Horror Story universe.