Ariana Grande recently addressed a viral video that showcased a dramatic shift in her speaking voice. The clip, which has garnered over 5 million views on TikTok, features Grande speaking in a deeper tone before abruptly switching to a higher pitch. This sudden change left fans puzzled and sparked a flurry of comments and speculations online.
In response to the viral video, Grande took to TikTok to clarify the reason behind her vocal fluctuation. She explained that her voice change is a result of habit and vocal health. “I intentionally change my vocal placement (high/low) often depending on how much singing I’m doing,” she wrote. “I’ve always done this BYE.”
The video in question was from an interview on the Podcrushed podcast, where Grande was discussing her latest projects. During the conversation, her voice noticeably shifted, catching the attention of viewers. One user commented, “this voice change is sending me 😭😭 regular Ariana was coming out for a second,” while another added, “THE SWITCH IN THE VOICE PLEASE HELP ME😭😭😭.”
Grande’s explanation sheds light on her vocal techniques, which she adjusts based on her singing schedule. This practice helps her maintain vocal health, especially given her demanding career as a singer and actress. Her role in the upcoming film adaptation of the musical Wicked, where she plays Glinda, requires her to sing in a high soprano range, further necessitating these vocal adjustments.
The singer has had a busy year, not only with her role in Wicked but also with the release of her latest studio album, Eternal Sunshine. Grande revealed that the album came about unexpectedly during the Hollywood strikes. “I did not plan to [make new music now]. I didn’t have the goal to make an album,” she said on the Zach Sang Show. “I actually was really opposed to coming out with music until after Wicked, either both parts or just one part. I wasn’t sure how I would feel.”
Despite her initial reluctance, Grande found herself inspired during studio sessions with producer Max Martin. The creative process flowed naturally, leading to the release of three singles: “Yes, And?”, “We Can’t Be Friends,” and “The Boy Is Mine.” Grande described the experience as organic, saying, “It all just kind of started pouring out, and after our first week together, I kept coming to the studio every day by myself, and it just kinda kept organically happening that way.”
In addition to her music and film projects, Grande has also been in the spotlight for her personal life. She has been dating her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater since last summer, adding another layer of interest to her already eventful year.
Grande’s role in Wicked has been particularly demanding, requiring her to train her voice extensively. “Glinda’s a soprano, like an opera soprano, not in the way I’m a soprano in my pop [career],” she explained. “It’s just a very different placement in the voice, and I was just training it and training it because even though the notes were there, it’s a different placement and singing them completely differently so I wanted to train my muscles.”
The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, is set to open in theaters on November 27. Grande will star opposite Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba. The two actresses will perform iconic numbers from the musical, including “Popular” and “Defying Gravity.”
Grande’s vocal versatility and dedication to her craft have always been evident, but her recent explanation provides fans with a deeper understanding of the techniques she employs to maintain her voice. As she continues to balance her music and acting careers, her ability to adapt and evolve remains a testament to her talent and professionalism.
With new music on the horizon and the highly anticipated release of Wicked, Ariana Grande shows no signs of slowing down. Her ability to navigate the demands of her career while maintaining vocal health is a skill that continues to impress fans and industry professionals alike.
