Ariana Grande says ‘voice switch’ in viral video is intentional: ‘I’ve always done this’
A clip from a recent podcast appearance showed the singer speaking in a deeper register before switching back to the breathier trill fans are familiar with
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ariana Grande has addressed a viral video of her “changing voices” during a recent interview, explaining that it was an intentional choice.
The “Positions” singer appeared on the latest episode of actor Penn Badgley’s podcast, Podcrushed, in which she spoke about her music career and starring role in the forthcoming musical film, Wicked.
A clip from the 12 June episode that has gone viral on social media shows Grande, 30, laughing and speaking in a deeper register than fans are familiar with before immediately switching to a much higher, breathy voice.
“This voice change is sending me,” one viewer said, as they shared the clip in a post that has received more than 170,000 likes on TikTok. “Regular Ariana was coming out for a second.”
Some fans suggested that it was natural Grande, a singer, would have “different voices”.
“Yall acting like y'all's voices don't change in certain spaces and settings,” one wrote. “Her interview voice is no different, especially cause singers use [it] to preserve their vocals. Don't bring no dumb s*** over here.”
Grande has since responded to one of the videos on TikTok, explaining that speaking in her higher voice has become a “habit (speaking like this for two years) and also vocal health.”
“I intentionally change my vocal placement (high / low) often depending on how much singing i’m doing,” she commented. “I’ve always done this BYE.”
Grande has previously spoken about the techniques she deploys to protect her voice as long ago as 2013, in an interview where she explained her higher tone.
“I've been speaking in a slightly higher placement than I usually speak in because I've been doing a lot of interviews and I'm trying to keep my voice healthy,” she said.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
The “7 Rings” artist addressed the huge changes she underwent in order to play her Wicked character, Glinda, while working with acting coach Nancy Banks and voice coach Eric Vetro.
“Everything about me, I had to deconstruct to prove to them I could handle taking on this other person,” she told The Zach Sang Show in February.
“I had to completely erase popstar Ari, the person they know so well, because it's even harder to believe someone as someone else when you're so branded as one thing.”
Wicked is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on 27 November; a second installment is expected to follow on 26 November 2025.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments