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Since earning the role of Glinda in Wicked, Ariana Grande has been scrutinized extensively. If it wasn’t conversations about her romantic relationships, it was statements about her body, music, or personal life. Now that the movie has hit theaters, she’s been praised for her work in the film. However, many people have used the moment to continue bashing the star. Recently, commentators on Reddit took to a popular subpage to share their opinions about the singer’s alleged “blaccent” — the imitation of Black English by non-Black people, according to Dictionary — and it’s sparked major conversation.
What Caused Conversation About Ariana Grande’s Speaking Voice?
During a conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Ariana Grande discussed how her voice changed during the filming of Wicked. In case you didn’t know, the award-winning actress played the role of Glinda in the 2024 film adaptation of the popular Broadway show. The character is described as a “bubbly, passionate, popular and loveable” individual, meaning Grande’s speaking voice was high-pitched, dainty, and cheerful.
However, fans noticed that her character’s voice remained during her press tour for the film, which was a complete 180 from interviews in the years prior.
“I think that might stay,” she said during her chat with EW. “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. What a beautiful thing to be left with and to feel the ghost of every day.”
Fans Say Ariana Grande’s Role in Wicked Was the Perfect Chance to Ditch Her Faux ‘Blaccent’
On Reddit, fans immediately responded to Ariana Grande’s statement that her Glinda voice would remain with her forever. “Convenient opportunity to ditch the blaccent,” one commenter wrote. “I’m just happy she’s finally cosplaying as a white woman,” another shared. “Aw, yay, she’s finally the white woman she always was,” a third reader wrote. Of course, this isn’t the first time Ariana’s speaking voice has made the headlines. In the summer of 2024, a fan on TikTok pointed out how the singer switches between two registers when speaking. “Habit,” Ariana replied. “I intentionally change my vocal placement (high/low) often depending on how much singing I’m doing. I’ve always done this BYE.”
Ari Had a Rough 2024
The recent comments about Ariana Grande’s voice are likely the least of the singer’s worries. Throughout 2024, Grande was subject to much backlash, mainly about her relationship with her husband, Ethan Slater. The Wicked star and Broadway actor got together earlier in the year; however, their union wasn’t without drama. It’s said that both parties left their previous marriages for each other (Slater’s wife recently addressed her divorce in a personal essay), which fueled a lot of conversations. But that’s not all. The Grammy-winning singer has also been ridiculed over her recent looks. “In today’s society, there’s a comfortability that we shouldn’t have at all, commenting on other’s looks, appearance, what they think is going on behind the scenes or health or how they present themselves,” Grande said in response to the comments. “From what you’re wearing to your body to your face to your everything.”
