The pop star is making a very personal statement with her planned movie debut in “Wicked” by using her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera, in the credits. It’s not just a simple choice to change her name; it’s also a link to her childhood dreams.

Grande will play Glinda the Good Witch in the two-part movie version of the popular Broadway show, which Jon M. Chu will direct. The movie looks at how the famous “Wizard of Oz” characters got their start, with a focus on Glinda and Elphaba’s complicated friendship.

“I feel like I came home to myself in many ways,” Grande told The Streaming Service. She said her 10-year-old self saw “Wicked” under Grande-Butera. Her choice of credit card is a respect to that important time in her life.

Grande had to deal with doubts about her hiring at first. “It has to be earned,” she said in a radio interview, admitting that she was initially nervous because people might have ideas about how good an actress she was.

Early viewing, on the other hand, have eased those worries. Katcy Stephen, a film reporter for Variety, called the adaptation a “masterpiece” and praised Grande’s acting. As she put it, Grande “makes Glinda sparkle” in her role.

According to Kristin Chenoweth, who played Glinda on Broadway, the movie is even more trustworthy because she has seen it and approved of it.

The group includes Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Peter Dinklage, and many more famous actors. The first part of “Wicked” will be released in cinemas in the U.S. and U.K. on November 22, 2024, and the second part will be released on December 25, 2025.

Grande’s choice to use her full family name for this important acting part shows her personal and professional growth and authenticity.