Ariana Grande Reacts to Haters Questioning Her “Real Voice”

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Ariana Grande is reminding people of the truth: the voice is mine.

The Wicked actress—whose performance in the film earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress—addressed criticism that she now speaks with a higher-pitched voice than in the past.

“The thing that I do that perplexes people so much—and it's just so funny because if you're a person who uses their voice, you know about this,” Ariana said on the Feb. 3 episode of the Smartless podcast, “is if I have a long day of press or if I have to sing, I'll place [my voice] a little higher.”

The 31-year-old added, “I'll change my vocal placement to kind of preserve. But that is just something that's healthy for the voice. It's just basically pitching your voice up a tiny bit.”

Ariana—who began dating her Wicked costar Ethan Slater in 2023—also addressed the haters directly, calling their criticism “interesting.” 

“It's just a normal thing for vocalists,” she continued. “But people are like, ‘That's not her natural voice.’ And I'm like, ‘Well, it is actually, but it's just a little higher. All of it is natural.’”

And considering Ari already clapped back at the online critics about her voice as Wicked’s Glinda the Good Witch last year, she recognized that the comments may never end.

“It's so funny because I’ve talked about it a zillion times,” she explained, “and people are still like, ‘Where's your real voice?’ And I'm like, ‘Well, they all are.’”

But despite the armchair analysis from fans online, the “Positions” singer is grateful for the parts of Glinda (née Galinda) she gets to take with her going forward, including her voice. 

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“I think that might stay,” she told Variety in January of her higher register and crisper articulation. “Galinda required a lot of vocal work for me. Certain things maybe won’t melt away. Some will, but I’m really grateful for the pieces that will stay with us forever.”

She added, “What a beautiful thing to be left with, and to feel the ghost of every day.”

Read on to see more of how Ariana has changed through the years. 

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Glam Girl

Ariana Grande dazzled in a salmon pink dress at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards. This look made her vibrant red hair pop!

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Darling Diva

The Sam & Cat star stunned in a charming white mini-dress at the 2011 Grammy Awards. She paired her simple, yet striking outfit with sparkly gold heels and dainty jewelry pieces.

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Hot, Hot, Hot

Looking like a modern-day Jessica Rabbit with her blinding Dolce & Gabbana red dress, Ariana shimmered at the 2013 American Music Awards.

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Vintage Vibes

Serving fans retro charm in her custom Kenley Collins dress, the Scream Queens actress looked perfectly polished at the 2013 Style Awards.

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Ray of Sunshine

The "Dangerous Woman" singer made a splash at the 2014 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. Matching the orange carpet, Grande wore a vibrant mini-dress and pairs it with white pumps and a whimsical clutch.

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Dashing in Black

Ariana oozed with old Hollywood glamour at the 2014 American Music Awards. She opted for a floor-length black lace gown from MT Costello.

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White-Hot

Wearing a white gown with silver lamé mesh at the 2015 Grammy Awards, Ariana shined as bright as the flashing lights on the red carpet.

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Effortlessly Elegant

Beaming in a floral beaded, peplum mini-dress at the 2015 American Music Awards, Ariana stunned in this statement-making piece from Giambattista Valli.

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Vision in White

Ariana made a bold fashion choice wearing an all-white ensemble at KISS FM in 2015. While most are scared to get an outfit like that dirty, the Nickelodeon alum wasn't afraid to take that risk! 

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Penchant for Pantsuits

Ditching the usual dress at the 2016 American Music Awards, the "Problem" artist opted for a sexy corset top and elegant white pants.

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Oversized Overalls

Ariana rocked a funky fresh outfit at the 2016 Hairspray Live! press junket. She sizzled in oversized overalls, a bralette and a bedazzled choker necklace.

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Royal Blues

Ariana brought the heat to the 2016 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. Her Atelier Versace dress highlighted her playful side with its unique cut-out design and bright colors.

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God Is a Woman

Ariana took fans to church with her Sistine Chapel-inspired dress at the 2018 Met Gala. Megan McCluskey designed the gown in keeping with event's theme of "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination."

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for iHeartMedia

Cotton Candy Dream

Ariana looked like a cotton candy dream in her pastel pink ensemble at the 2018 iHeartRadio Wango Tango event. Giving us '90s nostalgia, she rocked platinum sneakers, matching ankle socks and an oversized sweater that states, "girls girls girls."

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Lavender "Loofah"

The "7 Rings" singer looked regal and elegant in her custom Christian Siriano dress, which she perfectly dubbed the "loofah of the year" lewk. Of course, she tied her outfit together by wearing her signature thigh-high boots.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

SIlver Siren

Not only did the pop star turned heads with two outfit changes at the 2020 Grammys red carpet, but her platinum blonde pony was all anyone could talk about at the time.

Instagram

Curly Sue

Ariana said thank u, next to her signature high pony with a selfie that showed off her natural curls in 2020.

Instagram

13 Going on 30

The "Positions" singer channeled Jennifer Garner's 13 Going on 30 character in 2021.

Instagram

Blonde Beauty

The Wicked actress debuted a dramatic blonde look in October 2022.

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Wickedly Good

Ariana channeled Glinda the Good Witch in a pink Giambattista Valli gown at the 2024 Oscars.

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Goddess of the Garden

For the 2024 Met Gala, which had a "Garden of Time" dress code to celebrate the "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" exhibit, Ariana wore an ethereal white gown from Loewe featuring a mother of pearl bodice—a nod to her birthstone—and long chiffon skirt.

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