Ariana Grande has recently addressed a viral video showcasing her “voice change” during an interview, revealing that it was a deliberate decision. 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 has gained significant attention on social media, showing Grande, 30, laughing and speaking in a deeper voice than usual before quickly switching to a higher, breathy tone.
One viewer shared the clip on TikTok, which has since garnered over 170,000 likes, commenting on the noticeable shift in Grande’s voice. Some fans speculated that it was natural for a singer like Grande to have “different voices.” One user pointed out that people often change their voices in different settings, especially singers who need to preserve their vocal health.
Grande responded to the viral video on TikTok, explaining that speaking in a higher voice has become a habit over the past two years and is also a measure for vocal health. She mentioned that she intentionally changes her vocal placement depending on how much singing she is doing, a practice she has always followed.
In a previous interview from 2013, Grande had already discussed the techniques she uses to protect her voice, explaining that she speaks in a slightly higher tone during interviews to keep her voice healthy. This practice has become more pronounced as she prepares for her role as Glinda in the film adaptation of “Wicked.”
The “7 Rings” singer has undergone significant changes to embody her “Wicked” character, working with acting coach Nancy Banks and voice coach Eric Vetro. She mentioned that she had to deconstruct her pop star persona to prove she could take on a different character, erasing “popstar Ari” to become someone new.
The film “Wicked” is set to be released in UK cinemas on November 27, with a second installment expected on November 26, 2025.
After the clip from the “Podcrushed” podcast went viral, Grande took to TikTok to explain the phenomenon. She commented that speaking in a higher voice has become a habit and is also a method to maintain vocal health. She reiterated that she intentionally changes her vocal placement depending on her singing schedule.
Fans have had mixed reactions to Grande’s voice change, with some expressing disbelief and others defending her. Some compared her to Paris Hilton, who often speaks in a high-pitched voice as part of her public persona. Others pointed out that many singers use similar techniques to protect their voices.
Grande’s voice-shifting was first noticed at the 2024 Oscars, where she and her “Wicked” co-star Cynthia Erivo presented awards. This led to further speculation and discussion among fans and critics alike.
In a past Q&A session with young fans, Grande humorously admitted to being “infatuated with serial killers,” a topic that came up again during her “Podcrushed” interview with Penn Badgley. She joked about her fascination with Jeffrey Dahmer, explaining that she would have liked to meet him, albeit with a third party present.
Badgley lightened the mood by suggesting that Grande inherited her love for horror from her mother, who enjoys Halloween and spooky stories. Grande agreed, adding that it’s one of her favorite things.
The viral clip from the “Podcrushed” podcast has sparked a range of reactions on social media, with some fans accusing Grande of faking her voice and others defending her vocal techniques. Some users pointed out that many professional singers are advised to use different speaking voices to support their singing.
Grande addressed the comments on TikTok, explaining that her higher-pitched voice has become a habit due to her role in “Wicked” and is also a measure for vocal health. She mentioned that she intentionally changes her vocal placement depending on her singing schedule, a practice she has always followed.
In a previous interview on the “Zach Sang Show,” Grande discussed the extensive training she underwent to prepare for her role in “Wicked.” She worked with acting and vocal coaches to transform her voice and deconstruct her pop star persona, proving that she could take on a different character.
Grande’s voice change has been a topic of discussion among fans and critics, with some expressing concern and others defending her techniques. The singer has explained that her vocal changes are intentional and necessary for her vocal health, a practice she has followed for years.
