In anticipation of the upcoming Wicked movies, fans are buzzing with excitement over the casting of pop sensation Ariana Grande as the iconic character of Elphaba. With her powerful vocals and undeniable stage presence, Grande seems like the perfect fit for the green-skinned witch. But this won’t be the first time Grande has graced our screens with her acting chops. Let’s take a look at all of Grande’s past acting roles and see how they stack up against each other.
Victorious (2009-2013)
Grande rose to fame as the lovable Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s hit show Victorious. Her role as the ditzy but kind-hearted redhead stole the hearts of viewers, making Grande a household name overnight. But how did her acting skills fare in this role? While Grande’s natural charm and comedic timing were evident, it was her singing talent that truly shone. Nonetheless, Victorious was an important stepping stone in Grande’s career and a perfect showcase for her talents.
Sam & Cat (2013-2014)
Following the success of Victorious, Grande landed her own spin-off show, Sam & Cat, alongside fellow Nickelodeon star Jennette McCurdy. While the show received mixed reviews, Grande’s performance as the quirky and bubbly Sam was endearing. Her chemistry with McCurdy was undeniable, and the two made a dynamic duo on-screen. However, the show’s cancellation after just one season left fans wanting more from Grande’s acting career.
Scream Queens (2015-2016)
In 2015, Grande made her debut on the hit horror-comedy series Scream Queens. As the wealthy and spoiled Chanel #2, Grande showed off her versatility as an actress. She delivered some of the show’s funniest lines and proved she could hold her own against industry heavyweights like Emma Roberts and Jamie Lee Curtis. However, her character’s early exit on the show left fans disappointed and wanting more of Grande’s comedic genius.
Hairspray Live! (2016)
Grande then took on her first live television musical in Hairspray Live! as the ditzy Penny Pingleton. This role allowed her to showcase her powerful vocals and proved that she could handle the pressure of a live performance. Grande received rave reviews for her rendition of “Without Love”, further solidifying her status as a triple threat in the entertainment industry.
Zoolander 2 (2016)
In the star-studded comedy sequel, Zoolander 2, Grande made a cameo appearance as a fictional version of herself. While the role was minor, Grande’s brief appearance was a stand-out moment in the film. Her on-screen chemistry with co-star Ben Stiller was evident, and her cameo served as a reminder that Grande’s acting abilities are not to be underestimated.
Hairspray Live! at The Hollywood Bowl (2017)
Following her success in Hairspray Live!, Grande reprised her role as Penny Pingleton in a live performance at The Hollywood Bowl. Once again, she received critical acclaim for her singing and acting, proving that she was more than capable of taking on a beloved musical role.
Scooby-Doo & Guess Who? (2019)
In 2019, Grande made a voice acting appearance on the animated series Scooby-Doo & Guess Who? She lent her voice to the character of Harriet, a social media influencer, in an episode that also featured her famous hit song “7 Rings”. While her role was short, Grande’s voice acting skills were praised by fans and critics alike.
Don’t Look Up (2021)
Grande is set to star in her first major film role in the upcoming Netflix comedy, Don’t Look Up. She will star alongside A-listers like Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence and is said to play a pop star who is romantically linked to Jonah Hill’s character. With a powerhouse cast and promising storyline, this could be the breakout role that cements Grande’s status as a talented actress.
And finally, we come to the highly anticipated Wicked movies, where Grande will take on the coveted role of Elphaba. While we have yet to see Grande’s portrayal of the iconic character, fans are confident that she will bring her unique flair and exceptional talent to the role.
In conclusion, Ariana Grande’s acting career has been steadily growing since her days on Victorious. While her singing abilities have always been her strong suit, she
