Ariana Grande is addressing fans' observations that her voice seems to be influenced by her “Wicked” character, Glinda. During the June 17 episode of the podcast “Podcrushed,” hosted by Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, and Sophie Ansari, Grande noticeably altered her voice intonation, slipping into a high-pitched Glinda tone.

On June 18, Grande commented on a TikTok post of the podcast video to explain the abrupt change in pitch, attributing it to a habit developed to preserve her vocal health. She wrote, “Habit (speaking like this for two years) and also vocal health :) I intentionally change my vocal placement (high / low) often depending on how much singing I’m doing,” she added, using a crying emoji. “I’ve always done this BYE.”

Before Grande's explanation, TikTok users humorously reacted to the clear change-up, with one writing, “GLINDA LET HER GO.” Another commented, “Me switching to my customer service voice at work.” Others wrote, “SHES STILL IN THERE,” referring to her deeper, natural tone.

Some fans were more supportive, suggesting that her “Glinda voice” might be easier on her vocals than her normal speaking voice, and acknowledged that Glinda has become a significant part of her life. This sentiment was echoed after Grande's appearance at the 2024 Oscars, where she presented alongside Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, Glinda’s rival-turned-friend in the upcoming movie musical adaptation of “Wicked,” set to release in November. Grande, dressed in a pouffy pink dress, delivered her speech in a soft-spoken manner, leading fans to comment on social media about the higher pitch of her voice compared to her natural one.

The situation drew comparisons to Austin Butler, who notably adopted Elvis Presley’s voice for the 2022 film “Elvis.” Butler had worked extensively with a vocal coach and admitted in interviews that he struggled to revert to his natural voice even after filming had ended. Writer Esther Zuckerman commented on X, “Austin Butler Elvis voice but it’s Ariana Grande Glinda voice,” while another user wrote, “Oh no Austin Butler look what you did to Ariana’s voice.” Others expressed similar concerns, with one stating, “Someone needs to make Ariana Grande stop speaking in her Glinda voice. It’s too soon for another Austin Butler situation.”

Grande has also mentioned that she transformed her singing voice for the role of Glinda. In an interview with Zack Sang, she revealed that she worked “every day” to change her voice, saying, “I had to deconstruct to prove to them I could handle taking on this other person.”

Fans have closely followed the evolution of Grande’s speaking voice since she first rose to prominence. While some Oscars viewers who were not aware of her involvement in “Wicked” noticed the change, they didn’t immediately connect it to her role. One X user wondered, “Did Ariana Grande adapt a new voice?”

Grande's transformation for her role as Glinda has clearly made a significant impact on both her speaking and singing voices, and fans are intrigued to see how this influence will continue to manifest in her performances and public appearances. Her commitment to her craft and vocal health reflects the dedication she has towards maintaining her artistic integrity while protecting her instrument.

Moreover, Grande's ability to seamlessly switch vocal styles demonstrates her versatility as an artist. As she continues to balance her demanding schedule, including rehearsals, performances, and public engagements, the strategic adaptation of her voice helps ensure its longevity. This approach not only benefits her current role in "Wicked" but also underscores her professional approach to vocal maintenance and performance excellence. Fans and industry peers alike will be watching closely to see how this vocal evolution influences her future projects and musical endeavors.