Ariana Grande recently revealed she had secretly decided to stop making music altogether before her role in the upcoming "Wicked" movie reignited her creative passion. The pop superstar shared that playing Glinda provided the inspiration she needed to return to the studio and create her latest album.
During a candid conversation on the "Shut Up Evan" podcast, Grande explained that she had privately resolved to never make another album. This decision came before she fully immersed herself in the world of Oz for the film adaptation of the hit musical, a project that unexpectedly changed her professional trajectory.
Key Takeaways
- Ariana Grande admitted she had secretly planned to stop releasing new albums.
- Her role as Glinda in the "Wicked" movie adaptation was the catalyst for her return to music.
- The experience led directly to the creation of her 2024 album, "Eternal Sunshine."
- Grande described the feeling as a "genuine spark of reconnection and inspiration."
A Private Decision to Step Away
For a period, fans of Ariana Grande were concerned about her musical hiatus. While she was publicly dedicated to filming "Wicked," the singer has now confirmed those fears were nearly a reality. She had made a firm, internal decision to step away from her recording career.
"I was never going to make an album ever again," Grande stated on the podcast, confirming for the first time the extent of her planned departure from the music industry. This revelation sheds new light on her break from releasing new material, indicating it was more than just a pause to focus on acting.
From Pop Star to Movie Star
Grande's casting as Glinda the Good Witch in the two-part film adaptation of "Wicked" was announced in 2021. The role required an intense commitment to filming, which naturally placed her music career on hold. Her last album before this period was 2020's "Positions."
The Turning Point in Oz
The turning point, Grande explained, came unexpectedly during the production of "Wicked." Immersing herself in the character and the musical environment sparked a creative drive she thought was gone. The process of bringing Glinda to life reconnected her with her passion for creating music.
"I felt just a genuine spark of reconnection and inspiration and something. I mean, maybe I missed it. Maybe it’s as simple as I missed it," she recalled of her time on set.
This newfound energy wasn't just a fleeting feeling. Grande said the impulse to create was overwhelming and felt essential. "It just felt like I couldn’t not," she added. "It was an inspired moment, and I had to write an album."
'Eternal Sunshine' Emerges
The direct result of this creative resurgence was her seventh studio album, "Eternal Sunshine," released in early 2024. The album was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, marking a triumphant return that fans now know almost didn't happen.
A Renewed Era of Music
Since that pivotal moment of inspiration, Grande has shown a fully renewed commitment to her music. Following the success of "Eternal Sunshine," she has continued to build on its momentum.
The initial release was followed by a deluxe version of the album, giving fans more content to enjoy. She also released a companion short film titled "Brighter Days Ahead," further exploring the album's themes. This flurry of activity demonstrated that her return was not a one-off project but the start of a new chapter.
Looking Ahead
To the delight of her global fanbase, Grande has also announced the "Eternal Sunshine" tour, which is set to begin in the near future. The tour solidifies her return to the stage and her status as one of pop music's leading figures.
While the artist has made it clear she will pursue projects that bring her happiness, her recent creative output suggests that music is once again at the forefront. Her experience with "Wicked" didn't just provide a new acting role; it ultimately preserved a celebrated music career that was quietly nearing its end.