Ariana Grande Reacts to Claims She’s Retiring from Music
Ariana Grande can’t imagine a world where she’s not creating music.
And according to her, that reality won’t happen anytime soon. As the Positions singer continues to focus on her acting roles, she addressed rumors that she’s planning to step away from music.
“Very silly of you all to assume that just because I have my hands full with many things, that I plan to abandon singing & music,” Ariana, 31, wrote on her July 16 Instagram post, which sees a video of her performing at the 2024 Met Gala. “It is and has always been my lifeline. There will need to be room made for all of it.”
Indeed, the Wicked star noted her music career “may not look exactly like it did before,” which seems to be a nod to her cohesive discography. And while her fans have grown accustomed to her schedule of releasing a new album every two years—as she has done since 2016’s Dangerous Woman—Ariana is now “having fun” being creative on her own timing.
“I feel grateful, excited and inspired. Finding a balance between many projects and endeavors I love, and doing it my own way,” she continued, before teasing a special announcement. “So, I’m working on a plan to sing for you all next year, even if it’s just for a little. I love you.”
Ariana’s clarification comes shortly after she confirmed she’ll star in the film adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ beloved children’s book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!. And that’s not the end of her acting wins, as she’s also set to appear in the upcoming Meet the Parents sequel next year.
But before then, the singer will return to Oz—in her finest pink couture, of course—for Wicked: For Good, which will release in November.
This isn’t the first time the Oscar nominee star has hinted at the future of her career, as she revealed that her role in Wicked reminded her how much she’s missed acting on stage.
“I think I love acting, I love musical theater,” Ariana explained on the Las Culturistas podcast last November. “Reconnecting with this part of myself who started in musical theater and who loves comedy and it heals me to do that.”
But despite this newfound love, she’ll always be loyal to music.
“I’m always going to make music,” she clarified. “I’m always going to go on stage. I’m always going to do pop stuff, I pinky promise.”
Keep reading to for more of Ariana’s iconic evolution over the years…
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Glam Girl
Ariana Grande dazzled in a salmon pink dress at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards. This look made her vibrant red hair pop!
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Darling Diva
The Sam & Cat star stunned in a charming white mini-dress at the 2011 Grammy Awards. She paired her simple, yet striking outfit with sparkly gold heels and dainty jewelry pieces.
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Hot, Hot, Hot
Looking like a modern-day Jessica Rabbit with her blinding Dolce & Gabbana red dress, Ariana shimmered at the 2013 American Music Awards.
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Vintage Vibes
Serving fans retro charm in her custom Kenley Collins dress, the Scream Queens actress looked perfectly polished at the 2013 Style Awards.
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Ray of Sunshine
The “Dangerous Woman” singer made a splash at the 2014 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. Matching the orange carpet, Grande wore a vibrant mini-dress and pairs it with white pumps and a whimsical clutch.
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Dashing in Black
Ariana oozed with old Hollywood glamour at the 2014 American Music Awards. She opted for a floor-length black lace gown from MT Costello.
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White-Hot
Wearing a white gown with silver lamé mesh at the 2015 Grammy Awards, Ariana shined as bright as the flashing lights on the red carpet.
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Effortlessly Elegant
Beaming in a floral beaded, peplum mini-dress at the 2015 American Music Awards, Ariana stunned in this statement-making piece from Giambattista Valli.
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Vision in White
Ariana made a bold fashion choice wearing an all-white ensemble at KISS FM in 2015. While most are scared to get an outfit like that dirty, the Nickelodeon alum wasn’t afraid to take that risk!
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Penchant for Pantsuits
Ditching the usual dress at the 2016 American Music Awards, the “Problem” artist opted for a sexy corset top and elegant white pants.
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Oversized Overalls
Ariana rocked a funky fresh outfit at the 2016 Hairspray Live! press junket. She sizzled in oversized overalls, a bralette and a bedazzled choker necklace.
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Royal Blues
Ariana brought the heat to the 2016 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. Her Atelier Versace dress highlighted her playful side with its unique cut-out design and bright colors.
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God Is a Woman
Ariana took fans to church with her Sistine Chapel-inspired dress at the 2018 Met Gala. Megan McCluskey designed the gown in keeping with event’s theme of “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.”
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Cotton Candy Dream
Ariana looked like a cotton candy dream in her pastel pink ensemble at the 2018 iHeartRadio Wango Tango event. Giving us ’90s nostalgia, she rocked platinum sneakers, matching ankle socks and an oversized sweater that states, “girls girls girls.”
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Lavender “Loofah”
The “7 Rings” singer looked regal and elegant in her custom Christian Siriano dress, which she perfectly dubbed the “loofah of the year” lewk. Of course, she tied her outfit together by wearing her signature thigh-high boots.
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SIlver Siren
Not only did the pop star turned heads with two outfit changes at the 2020 Grammys red carpet, but her platinum blonde pony was all anyone could talk about at the time.
Curly Sue
Ariana said thank u, next to her signature high pony with a selfie that showed off her natural curls in 2020.
13 Going on 30
The “Positions” singer channeled Jennifer Garner‘s 13 Going on 30 character in 2021.
Blonde Beauty
The Wicked actress debuted a dramatic blonde look in October 2022.
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Wickedly Good
Ariana channeled Glinda the Good Witch in a pink Giambattista Valli gown at the 2024 Oscars.
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Goddess of the Garden
For the 2024 Met Gala, which had a “Garden of Time” dress code to celebrate the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibit, Ariana wore an ethereal white gown from Loewe featuring a mother of pearl bodice—a nod to her birthstone—and long chiffon skirt.
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