Ariana Grande has recently addressed a viral video showcasing her “voice switch” during an interview, clarifying that it was a deliberate choice. The pop star appeared on Penn Badgley’s podcast, Podcrushed, where she discussed her music career and her role in the upcoming musical film, Wicked. A clip from the June 12 episode, which has since gone viral, shows Grande laughing and speaking in a deeper voice before quickly switching to a higher, breathy tone.
Fans were quick to react to the clip, with one viewer commenting, “This voice change is sending me,” and another noting, “Regular Ariana was coming out for a second.” The video has garnered over 170,000 likes on TikTok. Some fans defended Grande, suggesting that it is natural for singers to have “different voices” in various settings. One fan wrote, “Y’all acting like y’all’s voices don’t change in certain spaces and settings. Her interview voice is no different, especially because singers use it to preserve their vocals.”
Grande responded to the viral video on TikTok, explaining that speaking in a higher voice has become a “habit” and is also for “vocal health.” She commented, “I intentionally change my vocal placement (high/low) often depending on how much singing I’m doing. I’ve always done this BYE.” This isn’t the first time Grande has spoken about her vocal techniques. In a 2013 interview, she mentioned that she speaks in a higher tone during interviews to keep her voice healthy.
The “7 Rings” singer has been preparing for her role as Glinda in the film adaptation of Wicked, working with acting coach Nancy Banks and voice coach Eric Vetro. She revealed that she had to “completely erase popstar Ari” to take on the character, stating, “Everything about me, I had to deconstruct to prove to them I could handle taking on this other person.”
Wicked is set to be released in UK cinemas on November 27, with a second installment expected on November 26, 2025. Grande’s voice-switching has been a topic of discussion among fans, with some comparing her to Paris Hilton, who often speaks in a high-pitched voice as part of her “character.” Others have likened her to Austin Butler, who continued to speak like Elvis Presley even after his film debuted.
Social media users have had mixed reactions to Grande’s fluctuating vocals. Some accused her of faking her tone, while others defended her, pointing out that many singers use similar techniques to protect their vocal cords. One fan wrote, “This is just a smart thing Ariana chooses to do to protect her vocal cords. MANY singers actually use this technique; it’s just healthy for their voices.”
Grande further explained her vocal changes in the comments section of a TikTok video, stating that using her higher-pitched voice has become a “habit” after “speaking like this for two years” to play her Wicked character, Glinda. She added, “I intentionally change my vocal placement (high/low) often depending on how much singing I’m doing. I’ve always done this BYE.”
Back in March, fans noticed Grande’s voice change again when she presented an award at the 96th Academy Awards alongside her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo. Her voice seemed more high-pitched than usual, leading to further speculation and comparisons to Austin Butler’s Elvis transformation.
Grande’s role in Wicked involves several musical numbers, including Glinda’s signature song “Popular” and the “Defying Gravity” duet with Erivo. The first part of the film is set to hit theaters on November 27, with the second part following on November 26, 2025.
In addition to her acting endeavors, Grande has new music on the horizon, including a remix of “The Boy Is Mine” featuring R&B icons Brandy and Monica. Announcing the remix on Instagram, Grande expressed her gratitude to Brandy and Monica, stating, “My deepest and sincerest thank you to Brandy and Monica, not only for joining me for this moment but for your generosity, your kindness, and for the countless ways in which you have inspired me.”
Grande’s explanation of her voice-switching has provided clarity for fans, many of whom now understand that it is a technique she uses to protect her vocal health. As she continues to prepare for her role in Wicked and release new music, Grande’s vocal versatility remains a topic of fascination and admiration among her fans.
