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Ariana Grande has recently addressed the swirling accusations regarding changes in her vocal tone. The pop sensation, known for her powerful voice and chart-topping hits, found herself at the center of a social media storm after a clip from her appearance on Penn Badgley’s “Podcrushed” podcast went viral. Fans were quick to point out a noticeable shift in her vocal pitch during the interview, sparking debates and accusations of her faking her voice.
In the podcast, Grande initially speaks in a lower tone while discussing her new music. However, she suddenly switches to a higher pitch, which caught the attention of many listeners. A TikTok video highlighting this change was captioned, “The Voice Change??” and quickly gained traction online.
Responding to the comments, Grande took to social media to clarify the situation. She explained that the shift in her vocal tone is a result of habit and vocal health. Having spent two years playing Glinda in the musical “Wicked,” she has become accustomed to altering her vocal placement. “I intentionally change my vocal placement (high/low) often depending on how much singing I’m doing,” she wrote, adding that this practice helps maintain her vocal health.
Grande emphasized that this is not a new behavior for her. “I’ve always done this BYE,” she stated, aiming to put an end to the speculation. Her explanation seems to have resonated with many fans, who supported her in the comments, noting that she has been using a higher pitch since 2013 to protect her vocal cords.
This isn’t the first time Grande’s voice has been a topic of discussion. Earlier this year, she faced similar scrutiny when presenting at the 2024 Oscars alongside her “Wicked” co-star Cynthia Erivo. Critics questioned her higher-pitched tone, despite her openness about the extensive training she underwent for her role as Glinda. “Prepping for the auditions was like six months — voice lessons every day, acting lessons every day,” she shared on The Zach Sang Show. “I trained every day … to transform my voice, even — like, my singing voice — everything about me, I had to deconstruct to prove to them I could handle taking on this other person.”
While some fans were fixated on her vocal changes, others were more excited about the prospect of new music. During her appearance on “Podcrushed,” Grande hinted at the possibility of a deluxe edition of her album “Eternal Sunshine.” “I’ve been living in the studio,” she revealed. “I went to the studio the day after the Met [Gala] and stayed there for 10 days. I’ve been writing a lot, and maybe there’s more. I want to do a deluxe at some point.”
Despite the vocal change controversy, Grande’s fans remain eager for her new projects. Her role in “Wicked” and the potential release of new music have kept her in the spotlight, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
However, the conversation around Grande’s voice isn’t limited to her recent podcast appearance. She has previously faced criticism for her use of a “Blaccent” and accusations of Blackfishing. These terms refer to the imitation of Black English by non-Black people and the use of makeup or tanning to appear racially ambiguous, respectively. Grande has been accused of over-tanning to the point where her skin appears darker than it is, drawing comparisons to other celebrities like ex-Little Mix singer Jess Nelson.
The “Blaccent” accusations date back to 2016, when Grande was criticized for cultural appropriation. In an interview with Billboard, she commented on photos of her younger self, saying, “I’m like b***h, that’s my cookie, that’s my juice, okay. Carry on. Thank you next, that’s what this baby picture says.” Some claimed she was deliberately trying to sound like a Black woman, though others have argued that some of the images used to accuse her of Blackfishing were edited.
As Grande continues to navigate her career, she remains a polarizing figure. Her vocal talent and artistic achievements are undeniable, but the scrutiny over her voice and image persists. Whether addressing accusations or teasing new music, Ariana Grande continues to captivate and divide public opinion.
