Why Ariana Grande Uses Her Full Name in Wicked Movies

Ariana Grande is using her full legal name in the Wicked movie credits. The singer and actress is billed as Ariana Grande-Butera for her role as Glinda. This decision was a deliberate and personal one for the performer. She shared the heartfelt reason in a recent interview.

The change honors her childhood self, who first fell in love with the musical. Using her full name marks a significant homecoming for the star. It connects her past with this monumental career moment.

A Nostalgic Nod to a Childhood Dream

Grande explained the choice stems from her early years. She referred to “Grande-Butera” as her “little-girl name.” The actress saw the Wicked stage production when she was just ten years old. That experience left a lasting impression on her.

She felt the credit was a way to honor that young girl. The move creates a powerful, full-circle moment in her life. According to the BBC, the name holds deep personal significance. It reflects a journey back to her roots through the film’s production.

The experience of making Wicked was profoundly transformative for her. Grande stated she found a sense of homecoming while playing Glinda. She learned valuable lessons from both Glinda and Elphaba’s characters. This personal growth made the name change feel perfectly fitting.

Understanding the Grande-Butera Surname

The name has specific family origins for the actress. “Grande” is her mother Joan Grande’s maiden name. “Butera” comes from her father, Edward Butera. Her parents’ marriage was annulled during her childhood.

Using both names professionally is a rare occurrence. She typically performs and is known globally as Ariana Grande. This makes the Wicked credit a notable exception. It underscores the project’s unique importance in her career.

Her performance has already garnered critical acclaim. Grande earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for the 2024 film. This accolade adds another layer of significance to her decision. The name Grande-Butera is now forever linked to an award-nominated role.

The choice to use Ariana Grande-Butera is a poignant tribute to her past. It beautifully connects her childhood dream to her current success. This full-circle moment underscores the deep personal impact of Wicked.

Thought you’d like to know

Why is Ariana Grande using a different name for Wicked?

She is using her full legal name, Ariana Grande-Butera, as a tribute. It honors her childhood self who first saw the musical at age ten. The decision marks a full-circle moment in her life and career.

What is the origin of the name Grande-Butera?

Grande is her mother’s maiden name, and Butera is her father’s surname. Her parents’ marriage was annulled when she was a child. She typically uses only “Grande” for her public career.

Did Ariana Grande get an Oscar for Wicked?

She received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Glinda. The nomination was for the first Wicked film released in 2024. This recognition highlights the critical success of her performance.

How did the Wicked role affect Ariana Grande?

She described the experience as a profound homecoming. Grande felt she reconnected with herself through her character. The project held deep personal significance beyond a typical acting role.

Will she use Grande-Butera for future projects?

This appears to be a special case for the Wicked films. She has not indicated a permanent name change for all future work. It was a specific, meaningful choice for this particular project.