Ariana Grande is set to play Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked and has decided to use her full birth name, Ariana Grande-Butera, for credits of the film. It’s a surprising, yet sweet, nod to her origins that saw a wave of excitement among fans, adding an entirely new layer to her involvement in the highly anticipated adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical.

Grande-who has spent her career as a powerhouse vocalist with a multi-octave range-is now simply “Ariana Grande“. That she would revert to her full family name is significant, an attempt at a public-private identity mashup. It’s one that is resonating with fans, they see this as a nod to her Italian-American heritage, an ode to the young woman that existed well before the Ariana Grande that graced households around the world.

Wicked tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, and it’s going to be released in two parts, with Grande headlining opposite Cynthia Erivo, who is playing Elphaba. Director Jon M. Chu is highly regarded for his great attention to character detail and respect for the original storyline; he has worked with Grande and the rest of the cast to build a production both genuine to the musical’s roots and modernly relatable. Adding to that, Grande’s decision to go by her full last name added one more quirky touch in her character, further cementing her role in a story which was all about identity and belonging.

The casting of Grande as Glinda was highly polarizing because many were coming from a pop-star background. But her followers, well aware that she was into musical theater, immediately came to the role’s defense, and Grande has since silenced skeptics over just how deep she dove into the role. An admitted lover of the musical Wicked and all things musical theater, Grande even celebrated her casting by sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into her preparation process, including vocal rehearsals and character development. Using her full name in the credits seems to be another testament to her commitment to the role and respect for the film.

This has also contributed to social media debates regarding celebrities who try to combine professional and personal on-screen identities. For Grande, “Grande-Butera” may mean reconnecting with her heritage and being as raw as possible. It is a move that reflects themes of self-discovery and understanding in Wicked, and it’s an extra layer that the fans love having gone into naming.

It’s a timely decision in the career of Grande, still finding her footing from being simply a pop icon to an artist full of depth, undertaking different projects that allow her skill and range to be shown. Meanwhile, fans and critics alike wait with bated breath to see how she brings her singular voice-not just musically, but emotionally-to Wicked. By becoming Glinda, Grande pays homage to her heritage-one that reminds audiences that family and personal history are stories to be rejoiced in, even within Hollywood’s staged reality.

Ariana Grande-Butera’s turn in Wicked is already shaping up to be a defining moment for the star-one that blends her love of theater, her vocal prowess, and now a part of her family legacy into a role that’s as magical as it is meaningful.

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