In a surprising yet heartfelt decision, pop icon Ariana Grande has chosen to credit herself under her full legal name, “Ariana Grande-Butera,” in the closing credits of her latest film, Wicked.
Known professionally as Ariana Grande, the 31-year-old artist has rarely used her full surname in public or media appearances, making this a poignant nod to both her heritage and family ties.
Grande’s decision to include “Butera” — her father Ed Butera’s surname — marks a significant shift in her personal journey. Her parents, Joan Grande and Ed Butera, separated when she was just eight, and over the years, Grande became estranged from her father. Their relationship grew strained, particularly in 2013 when the two lost contact. However, the 7 Rings singer recently reconciled with her father, a reunion that many believe inspired her decision to reclaim her full name publicly.
Grande has previously spoken about the emotional toll of the family rift, describing the period after her parents’ split as “one of the hardest things” she’d ever endured. In a 2014 interview with Seventeen, she revealed the complexities of her relationship with her father, admitting, “It’s private… It took me so long to be okay with it.” Reflecting on their reconnection, she said, “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 Thank U, Next singer has often channeled her life experiences into her music. Her chart-topping 2018 single “Thank U, Next” includes the line, “One day I’ll walk down the aisle/ holding hands with my mama/ I’ll be thanking my dad ’cause she grew from the drama,” which alludes to her complex yet formative relationship with her father. During the 2020 Grammys, she even modified the lyrics live, singing, “I’ll be thanking my dad ’cause he’s really awesome,” as a nod to their renewed bond.
In 2019, Grande shared a rare photo of herself with her father backstage at one of her concerts, captioning it “Foreva,” signaling the mending of their fractured relationship. This renewed connection seems to have fostered a sense of peace for Grande, allowing her to honor her family name in her latest endeavor.
Wicked: Part One, in which Grande stars, is slated for release on November 22, 2024. As fans eagerly anticipate her portrayal in this beloved musical, her decision to include “Grande-Butera” in the credits adds an intimate layer to her role, resonating with themes of reconciliation and self-acceptance that have been pivotal in her life and career.
