NEW YORK (AP) — Ariana Grande, known for her chart-topping pop hits, is signaling a shift back to her roots in musical theater as she contemplates her career’s next chapter.
In an interview released Wednesday on the Las Culturistas podcast, hosted by her Wicked co-star Bowen Yang and comedian Matt Rogers, Grande shared her desire to prioritize acting over music in the years ahead. “It is my heart,” said the 31-year-old R.E.M. Beauty founder, reflecting on her early beginnings in 13: The Musical and her breakout role as Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s Victorious.
“I’m going to say something so scary—it’s going to scare the absolute s—t out of my fans,” Grande said. “But I love them, and they’ll deal. I’m always going to make music and perform pop, I pinky promise. But I don’t think doing it at the pace I have for the past 10 years is what I see for the next 10.”
Reflecting on her experience filming Wicked, which opens Nov. 22 and stars Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum, Grande described reconnecting with musical theater as deeply fulfilling. “Finding roles that let me use these parts of myself—putting them in characters, bits, and songs—heals me,” she said. “It feels a lot better for me. I’m getting emotional just talking about it.”
Grande also discussed her recent music projects, including her latest album, Eternal Sunshine, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in March. She also reflected on 2020’s Positions, which received mixed reactions from fans. “When it came out, it didn’t go so well,” she admitted. “I felt like I had to judge every piece. Now people love it like it’s the best thing I’ll ever make! What is that?”
As Wicked draws near, Grande is preparing to balance her passion for theater with her continued love for music—though, as she says, at a different pace.
