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Tension seems to simmer beneath the surface when it comes to the relationship between Ariana Grande and Zendaya, according to insights shared with In Touch. These two former child stars have both transitioned from their early days on TV to become influential figures in their respective fields.
Grande, who rose to fame on Nickelodeon’s Victorious, and Zendaya, known for her role on Disney Channel’s Shake It Up, have been following similar career trajectories right from the start. However, the competition between them has intensified, particularly after Grande took on the iconic role of Glinda in the 2024 adaptation of Wicked and its sequel.
This new venture into acting has brought Grande, at 32, critical acclaim, securing her nominations at prestigious award ceremonies such as the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and the Oscars.
“For the most part, Ariana had focused on her music career until recently,” a source reveals. “But now, both she and Zendaya find themselves vying for similar opportunities, from film roles to lucrative product endorsements and fashion collaborations. They appeal to a similar fanbase of young women who have grown up watching them.”
The source further comments, “There’s significant financial interest at stake here.”
Complicating matters is that Emmy winner Zendaya, 29, and her Grammy-winning peer share team members like high-profile stylist Law Roach, spills the source.
“It would just be easier for everybody in their orbits if Zendaya and Ariana could find some common ground or something to team up on,” spills the source. “Neither one of them has made any move in that direction, though.”
Instead, they’re seemingly set for a showdown at the box office — and on the red carpet — during the holiday season.
Grande’s next flick, Focker In-Law, is scheduled to come out on Wednesday, November 25, just three weeks before Zendaya’s Dune: Part Three gets released to theaters on Friday, December 18.
“2026 is going to be the first year where Zendaya and Ariana are in direct competition for ticket sales,” says the source. “Nobody is going to be watching those numbers closer than they are!”