Ariana Grande is stepping into her role as Glinda in the highly anticipated Wicked movie with a personal twist—her name in the credits will now read “Ariana Grande-Butera,” a nod to her full birth name. This name change follows her recent reconnection with her estranged father, Ed Butera, marking a full-circle moment for the artist.
Grande, who has largely used only her mother’s last name professionally, decided to return to her original surname as a sign of healing and reconciliation with her father. The two became estranged in 2013, and Grande has openly reflected on the challenges of their relationship, even referencing it in her 2018 hit, “Thank U, Next.” In recent years, however, they have rekindled their bond, sharing glimpses of their renewed relationship on social media.
Lucky fans in Sydney got the first look at Wicked on November 3, where Grande-Butera’s name lit up the credits. The movie, which tells the story of an unlikely friendship between witches Elphaba and Glinda, has already stirred excitement, with fans sharing emotional reactions after the screening.
With Wicked: Part One set to release in the U.S. on November 22, audiences are counting down to see Grande’s portrayal of Glinda—and her newly restored family name—on the big screen.
