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Ariana Grande is setting the record straight about her speaking voice. After a clip from her recent interview on Penn Badgley’s Podcrushed podcast went viral, fans began to notice and comment on the dramatic changes in her vocal pitch and cadence. The pop star responded on Tuesday (June 18), explaining that the shift in her tone is entirely intentional and natural.
The controversy started when a TikTok post featuring the interview clip showed Grande speaking about recording new music in a lower tone before suddenly shifting to a higher register. The uploader captioned the video with “The Voice Change??” sparking a flurry of comments from fans accusing her of faking her manner of speech.
Grande, however, was quick to address these accusations. In the TikTok comments, she explained that her higher tone is a result of habit and vocal health. “I’ve been speaking like this for two years while playing Glinda on the set of Wicked,” she noted. “And also vocal health. I intentionally change my vocal placement (high/low) often depending on how much singing I’m doing.”
She also emphasized that this is not a new behavior for her. “I’ve always done this BYE,” she added, putting an end to the speculation.
This isn’t the first time fans have commented on changes in Grande’s speaking voice. Similar critiques surfaced in March when she presented at the 2024 Oscars alongside her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo. The two-time Grammy winner has been open about the extensive preparation she underwent for her role as Glinda, which required significant transformation.
“Prepping for the auditions was like six months — voice lessons every day, acting lessons every day,” she revealed on The Zach Sang Show in February. “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.”
Grande’s explanation highlights the importance of vocal health and adaptation for performers. As an artist who constantly sings, changes in vocal placement are crucial for maintaining vocal strength and health. This practice is common among professional singers who need to protect their voices from strain and damage.
By adjusting her speaking voice, Grande ensures that she can meet the demands of her roles and performances without compromising her vocal health. This adaptive approach is part of her professional discipline, allowing her to sustain her vocal abilities over time.
While some fans were focused on her speaking patterns, many were thrilled to hear Grande talk about new music during the Podcrushed interview. She hinted at the possibility of a deluxe edition of her Billboard 200-topping album *Eternal Sunshine*. “I’ve been living in the studio,” she shared. “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.”
This announcement has generated excitement among her fanbase, eager to hear new material from the singer. Her dedication to her craft, both in acting and music, continues to solidify her position as a versatile and committed artist.
Ariana Grande’s response to the criticism about her speaking voice highlights her professionalism and dedication to her craft. By explaining the intentional changes in her vocal placement, she sheds light on the importance of vocal health for performers. As she continues to balance her roles in music and acting, fans can look forward to more exciting projects and new music from the pop star.
In addressing the critiques head-on, Grande reaffirms her authenticity and commitment to her artistry, reminding everyone that adaptation and change are natural parts of a performer’s journey.
king Voice Changes: ‘I’ve Always Done This’
