Ariana Grande has reportedly adopted a new name following a renewed connection with her father in recent times.
The pop star is set to feature as Glinda the Good Witch in the eagerly awaited film adaptation of the renowned Broadway musical Wicked, which is slated to hit theaters worldwide later this month.
Joining Grande in the film is actor Cynthia Erivo, who recently criticized a fan-made Wicked poster, playing the role of Elphaba, also known as the Wicked Witch of the West.
However, those who watch the movie and stay for the closing credits might notice a slight change in Grande’s name.
As reported by E! News, Grande will adopt the name ‘Ariana Grande-Butera’ after reestablishing ties with her father, Ed Butera.
Grande, who was born and grew up in Boca Raton, Florida, experienced her parents’ separation when she was only eight years old.
The ‘thank u, next’ singer’s connection with her father has been tumultuous, as she shared with Seventeen in 2014 that she had lost contact with him the prior year.
She expressed: “Falling out of touch with my dad. It’s private, but it happened last year. It took me so long to be okay with it. The thing that got me there was embracing the fact that I am made up of half my dad, and a lot of my traits come from him.
“So much of me comes from my father, and for so long, I didn’t like that about myself. I had to accept that it’s okay not to get along with somebody and still love them.”
The duo has since reconciled, as Ed Butera accompanied his daughter on the red carpet at the 2020 Grammy Awards.
Leading up to Wicked’s premiere, Grande has been defending her character against both fans and industry commentators.
In the film, her vocal pitch seems higher than her usual style, which has sparked discussion, despite it being a deliberate part of the character portrayal.
Grande has brushed off the criticism, explaining to Vanity Fair in September: “There is a part of the world that isn’t familiar with what it takes to transform your voice. Whether it’s singing or taking on a different dialect for a role or doing a character voice for something.
“When it’s a male actor that does it, it’s acclaimed. There are definitely jokes that are made as well, but it’s always after being led with praise: ‘Oh, wow, he was so lost in the role.’ And that’s just a part of the job, really.”
Regarding her vocal work, the 31-year-old stated: “It’s something that I’m just really proud of. Part of why I did want to engage [with the critics] is because I am really proud of my hard work and of the fact that I did give 100 percent of myself, including my physicality, to this role. I am proud of that, so I wanted to protect it.”
Wicked is scheduled for release in cinemas on November 22.