The Post-Oz Reality: 5 Shocking Things That Happened To Ariana Grande After Filming Wicked

The transition from pop superstar to Glinda the Good Witch was a monumental chapter for Ariana Grande, but what truly happened when the cameras stopped rolling on the set of *Wicked*? As of today, December 11, 2025, the period immediately following the wrap of the two-part film adaptation has proven to be one of the most transformative, controversial, and creatively explosive eras of the artist's life, marked by a whirlwind of professional triumphs and deeply personal upheavals that captivated the world. The intense, multi-year commitment to playing Glinda Upland alongside Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba forced a significant professional pivot, but the real story unfolded in the public eye through a shocking divorce, a new high-profile relationship, a dramatic change in appearance, and a critically acclaimed musical return that redefined her narrative.

Ariana Grande: Biography and Professional Profile

Ariana Grande-Butera is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame on the Nickelodeon television series *Victorious* (2010–2013) and *Sam & Cat* (2013–2014) before establishing herself as a global pop icon.

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993 (Age 32 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Businesswoman (r.e. R.E.M. Beauty)
• Years Active: 2008–Present
• Spouse(s): Dalton Gomez (m. 2021; div. 2024)
• Major Acting Roles: Cat Valentine (*Victorious*), Glinda Upland (*Wicked: Part One* and *Wicked: For Good*)
• Studio Albums: *Yours Truly* (2013), *My Everything* (2014), *Dangerous Woman* (2016), *Sweetener* (2018), *Thank U, Next* (2019), *Positions* (2020), *Eternal Sunshine* (2024)
• Current Project Focus: Promotion and release of *Wicked: Part One* (November 2024) and *Wicked: For Good* (November 2025).

1. The Shocking Divorce and Whirlwind New Romance

Perhaps the biggest headline to emerge from Ariana Grande's post-*Wicked* life was the abrupt end of her marriage and the beginning of a controversial new relationship.

In mid-2023, while still deep into the extensive filming schedule in London, news broke that Grande and her husband, real estate agent Dalton Gomez, were separating after two years of marriage.

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The divorce was finalized in 2024, but the narrative quickly shifted when her new relationship with *Wicked* co-star Ethan Slater became public.

Slater, who plays Boq in the Universal Pictures adaptation, was also married at the time the news broke, leading to intense public scrutiny and criticism, particularly from fans and media outlets focusing on the timing of both splits.

Reports soon followed suggesting that Grande was "rushing to marry" Slater, indicating that despite the public backlash and the recent conclusion of her first marriage, she remains "very much pro-marriage" and is looking toward a future with her new partner.

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2. A Dramatic Shift in Appearance and Health Scrutiny

The period surrounding the *Wicked* press tour and subsequent public appearances saw a significant amount of discussion and concern regarding Ariana Grande's physical appearance.

Fans and media commented extensively on her noticeable weight loss and overall change in look, prompting a wave of speculation about her health and well-being.

This scrutiny was so intense that some sources reported her own family members were expressing concern and even contemplating an intervention, claiming she was "not in a healthy place" following the demanding production schedule of the film.

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Grande has since addressed the public discourse, reassuring fans that her health is a priority, but the intense focus on her body and changing appearance remains a significant part of her post-*Wicked* narrative.

The intense process of transforming into Glinda, which included specific physical and vocal demands, is often cited as a major factor in her physical changes, a common occurrence for actors deeply immersed in demanding roles.

3. The Surprise Pop Music Comeback: *Eternal Sunshine*

While the world expected a long hiatus from music as she focused on her film career, Ariana Grande made a stunning return to the pop scene with her seventh studio album, *Eternal Sunshine*, released in March 2024.

The album, which features hit singles like "yes, and?" and "we can't be friends (wait for your love)," was a critical and commercial success, showcasing a more mature, reflective, and emotionally raw side of the artist.

The timing of the album, written and released as her marriage was ending and her new relationship was beginning, positioned the music as a direct, albeit veiled, commentary on her private life, fueling massive fan engagement and discussion.

The deluxe version of *Eternal Sunshine* has also been released, and there has been buzz, though unconfirmed by Republic Records, about a potential future album project titled "Brighter Days Ahead," suggesting her musical creativity was reignited rather than extinguished by her time as Glinda.

This return to music, a major pivot from the film set, firmly established that her acting role did not mean the end of her pop reign, but rather a new, more powerful chapter.

4. Navigating the High-Stakes *Wicked* Press Tour

The press and promotional activities for *Wicked: Part One* (released November 2024) and the upcoming *Wicked: For Good* (November 2025) have been anything but smooth for the star.

The intense scrutiny of her personal life and appearance followed her onto the red carpets and into interviews.

During the promotional run, Grande faced a frightening fan incident on the red carpet, where an individual rushed toward her, prompting her to silence photographers and increase security.

Furthermore, the demanding schedule and close-contact nature of the tour led to a professional setback when she reportedly contracted COVID-19, leading her to skip red carpet interviews at the New York premiere of *Wicked: For Good* (alongside Cynthia Erivo, who had lost her voice).

Despite these challenges, Grande and Erivo have spoken publicly about their deep bond and the emotional experience of finally finishing the epic *Wicked* story, highlighting the professional satisfaction of completing the project.

5. The Future: A New Era of Balance and Legacy

With the bulk of the *Wicked* film work complete, Ariana Grande is now in a phase of career re-evaluation and defining her legacy beyond the role of Glinda.

Her work in the two-part musical, directed by Jon M. Chu, is expected to solidify her status as a major cinematic actress, not just a pop star who dabbles in film. This role is her biggest test yet, following her previous work in *Don't Look Up*.

While specific new acting projects are currently under wraps, her co-star Cynthia Erivo has confirmed that both actresses have a number of big-screen projects and stage performances planned for 2026 and 2027, suggesting that Grande's acting career is far from over.

The focus now shifts to balancing her renewed pop career (post-*Eternal Sunshine*) with the final press and release of *Wicked: For Good*, all while navigating her complicated and highly scrutinized personal life with Ethan Slater. The post-Oz reality for Ariana Grande is one of complex evolution, where the lines between her public persona, her art, and her private life have never been more blurred.