Ariana Grande has spoken out against the criticism she faced over her voice change for her role as Glinda in Wicked, labelling the backlash as sexist. Earlier in the year, a video of the singer using different vocal tones on Penn Badgley’s Podcrushed went viral, prompting fans to call out the change in her voice. Grande responded on TikTok, explaining that she intentionally alters her vocal placement based on the singing requirements.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Grande addressed the double standards that actors, especially women, face when changing their voices for roles. She highlighted that male actors are often celebrated for such transformations, whereas women are scrutinised. Grande expressed her pride in the hard work she invested in the role, emphasising her commitment to giving her best performance.
The singer asserted that women in the entertainment industry are subjected to different standards and intense scrutiny compared to their male counterparts. Grande’s comments shed light on the challenges faced by women in the industry, reiterating the need for equal treatment and recognition of their efforts. She underlined the importance of acknowledging the dedication and physicality required for such demanding roles.
Other celebrities, such as Lady Gaga and Austin Butler, have also faced similar critiques for changing their voices for specific roles. Lady Gaga detailed how she adjusted her singing voice for a character, highlighting the differences in her approach compared to her trained singing techniques. Butler, known for his portrayal of Elvis Presley, encountered speculation about the lasting effects of his voice transformation for the role.
Wicked, which stars Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, and Bowen Yang alongside Grande, is set to hit UK cinemas later this year, with a sequel anticipated in 2025. The cast’s dedication to their roles demonstrates the lengths actors go to in embodying their characters authentically. Grande’s comments serve as a reminder of the challenges and biases prevalent in the entertainment industry, urging for fair treatment and recognition of all performers.