Ariana Grande's real name is Ariana Grande-Butera, a fact that fans have only just realised after 15 years in the spotlight. The singer and actress was credited with her birth name in the film adaptation of Wicked, which she was cast in November 2021 after auditioning five times for the role.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Grande made her professional debut on Broadway at age 15, and became widely known when she was cast as Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon show Victorious at 16. She released her first album, Yours Truly, at age 20 in 2013, and is known for her four-octave vocal range, which extends to the whistle register, a rarity found in less than 1% of singers.
She is one of the best-selling music artists ever and was among the highest-paid female musicians in 2020. Her awards include three Grammys, a Brit Award, two Billboard Music Awards, three American Music Awards, and thirteen MTV Video Music Awards.
Real Name Revealed in Wicked
Grande used her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera, in the credits of Wicked, which she described as a "homecoming." She explained that it was her name when she first saw the stage musical at age ten, making the role feel full-circle. It also honoured her relationship with her father, Edward Butera.
Fans reacted to the revelation, with one saying: "I think it would be a good stage name if it was one. it's so natural sounding." Another added: "Ari uses both. So Ariana Grande is as much her real name as Ariana Grande-Butera is."
Stepping Back from Public Life
Grande recently announced she would step back from public life at the end of her Eternal Sunshine Tour and after her ten-night residency at The O2. She also withdrew from the upcoming production of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday In The Park With George. A spokesperson said she would take a hiatus due to "endless, ongoing public scrutiny."
During a performance in Chicago, Grande, 33, addressed the decision directly to the sold-out crowd. She said: "Sometimes when a story comes out that's not directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion, so I wanted to speak to my fans directly tonight because I love you so much." She clarified that the announcement was not reactive or impulsive, but a plan she had "quietly made a long time ago," from a "thoughtful and empowered place."
Grande emphasised that "many, many things can be true at the same time," and that negativity was not ruining things for her. She said: "Boundaries can need to be set. Human beings can need a break sometimes." She added that the tour has been "the most healing, beautiful, corrective, magnificent, special experience of my life."
