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Ariana Grande's Full Name: A 'Homecoming' to Her Past
23 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Grande uses her full name for 'Wicked' as a tribute to her childhood self.
- The experience of filming 'Wicked' felt like a personal homecoming for Grande.
- She will continue to use 'Ariana Grande' for other upcoming acting roles.
Pop star Ariana Grande has shared the deeply personal and sentimental reason behind her decision to use her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera, for her roles in the "Wicked" films. She explained that "Ariana Grande-Butera" is her "little-girl name," evoking memories of seeing the musical at age 10. This moniker choice symbolizes a "homecoming" and a sense of returning to herself, profoundly influenced by her experiences portraying Glinda.
This sentimental naming convention serves as an honorific for a formative childhood experience. While her parents, Joan Grande and Ed Butera, have different last names, Grande embraced her full name for this project. This choice highlights the emotional significance the "Wicked" journey holds for her, representing a full-circle moment in her artistic and personal life.
However, the use of her full name appears exclusive to the "Wicked" franchise. Recent announcements reveal Grande will be credited as "Ariana Grande" for upcoming roles in Ben Stiller's "Focker-In-Law" sequel and Ryan Murphy's "American Horror Story" series. Grande expressed her current passion for acting, though she assured fans she will continue her singing career.
