5 Major Moves: What Ariana Grande Is Doing After 'Wicked' And Her Next Big Career Chapter

The world is buzzing with anticipation following the theatrical release of the first part of the *Wicked* film adaptation, and all eyes are on Ariana Grande-Butera to see what she does next. After dedicating an intense period to embodying Glinda the Good Witch, the superstar has already made several major, calculated moves that signal a new, powerful era for her career across music, film, and business.

As of December 2025, Grande is strategically balancing her acting momentum with a renewed focus on her pop music roots and her burgeoning beauty empire. From a surprise deluxe album release to landing a non-musical movie role and managing the high-profile relationship she developed on the *Wicked* set, her post-Oz chapter is proving to be just as captivating as her time in the Emerald City.

Ariana Grande-Butera: A Brief Biography and Profile

Ariana Grande-Butera, born on June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She first rose to prominence on Broadway at age 15 in the musical *13* in 2008. Her career trajectory shifted toward television with roles on Nickelodeon's *Victorious* and its spin-off, *Sam & Cat*, before she fully transitioned into a global pop star.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993 (Age 32 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Businesswoman
• Key Career Milestones: Six number-one albums on the Billboard 200, nine number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, Grammy Award winner, and founder of R.E.M. Beauty.
• Current Major Project: Portraying Glinda in the two-part film adaptation of the musical *Wicked* (*Wicked* released in 2024, *Wicked: For Good* due in late 2025).

1. The Swift Return to Music: 'Eternal Sunshine Deluxe'

While fans might have expected a long hiatus following the demanding dual-film production of *Wicked*, Grande surprised the music world with a swift return to the recording studio. Her seventh studio album, *Eternal Sunshine*, released in March 2024, was a massive success, but the story didn't end there.

The Post-Wicked Album Expansion

The true post-*Wicked* music move was the announcement and release of the deluxe edition of *Eternal Sunshine*. This was a strategic choice, keeping her music career fresh and chart-relevant during the press cycle for the first *Wicked* film. The deluxe version included new tracks, further expanding the album's narrative and ensuring a continuous presence on streaming platforms and radio.

This move served as a bridge, satisfying the "Arianators" longing for new pop music while she was still heavily involved in the *Wicked* promotional tour. It demonstrated her ability to pivot between the intense demands of a major movie musical and her established identity as a pop icon. The new tracks, inspired by her experiences, added a deeply personal layer to the project, maintaining the emotional depth her fans appreciate.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

2. Landing a New, Non-Musical Movie Role

One of the most telling signs of Grande's post-*Wicked* career direction is her commitment to expanding her acting portfolio beyond musicals. After years of focusing almost exclusively on music, her performance as Glinda has clearly opened new doors in Hollywood.

Breaking the Musical Mold

Grande has reportedly secured her next major movie role, and significantly, it is not a musical. This is a crucial step for an artist looking to be taken seriously as a dramatic and comedic actress, rather than just a singer who acts. The details of the project are still emerging, but the intention is clear: she is using the credibility and visibility gained from *Wicked* to pursue more diverse and challenging acting roles. This move signals a long-term commitment to film, positioning her as a genuine dual threat in the entertainment industry.

Furthermore, she has also teased an "exciting" return to her theatrical roots with a potential stage project after the *Wicked* mania concludes. This suggests a desire to continue honing her craft in the live performance space, which is where her career began.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

3. The Strategic Expansion of R.E.M. Beauty

Beyond the spotlight of Hollywood and the music charts, Grande has been quietly and effectively building her entrepreneurial empire. Her cosmetics brand, R.E.M. Beauty, is undergoing a significant expansion and restructuring post-*Wicked* filming.

New Products and New Backing

The brand, known for its space-age aesthetic, has continued to roll out new products, including new lines of gel eyeliner pencils and a full range of brow products (like the space shape brow pencil and brow gel). This continuous product innovation keeps R.E.M. Beauty competitive in the crowded celebrity beauty market.

Crucially, the business side of R.E.M. Beauty has also seen major changes. After ending a licensing deal with Forma Brands, the company acquired existing inventory and secured a major investment round led by new financial partners. This financial backing and strategic independence position R.E.M. Beauty for aggressive future growth and global market penetration, solidifying Grande's status as a serious businesswoman and not just a celebrity endorser.

4. Managing a High-Profile Relationship: Ethan Slater

The intense media scrutiny surrounding her personal life, particularly her relationship with *Wicked* co-star Ethan Slater, has been a defining element of her post-filming period. The couple, who met on the set of the two-part film, have chosen a notably private approach to their romance.

A Quiet, United Front

Despite months of online speculation and tabloid rumors, sources close to the couple have confirmed that Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are "very much together." They have opted to keep their relationship out of the *Wicked* press spotlight, choosing not to pose as a couple at premieres or red-carpet events. Instead, they have shown quiet support for each other on social media, a subtle but telling gesture to fans. Slater also offered a brief update on Grande's well-being during the press tour, confirming she was "doing well" amid the intense media attention and a COVID diagnosis that temporarily sidelined her from appearances.

This strategy of maintaining privacy while still offering subtle confirmations has allowed them to navigate the pressure while keeping the focus on the cinematic achievement of *Wicked*.

5. Preparing for the Next Chapter: 'Wicked: For Good'

While the first film is out, the second half of the saga, *Wicked: For Good*, is still on the horizon, scheduled for release at the end of 2025. This means that Grande's work as Glinda is far from over. The promotional cycle for the sequel will dominate a significant portion of her near-future schedule.

The Glinda Legacy

Grande has already given fans a glimpse into the emotional and professional depth she brought to the role, revealing that she created specific "triggers" to manage the emotional weight of playing Glinda across two films. Her commitment to the character, and the box office success of the first film, sets the stage for a massive promotional push for the finale.

Her work on *Wicked* has fundamentally reshaped her career narrative, transitioning her from a pop powerhouse to a critically-watched movie star. The success of *Wicked: For Good* will be the final punctuation mark on this chapter, fully cementing her legacy in the world of cinema and determining her next major creative direction, whether it leans more heavily into acting, a new world tour, or further business ventures.