Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have been eating, sleeping, and breathing Wicked since late 2022. Their transformations into Glinda and Elphaba took nearly two years. Considering Grande and Erivo’s dedication to completing the blockbuster musical film, it’s no wonder they’ve raised eyebrows with their total commitment to their characters.

Let’s hold space for one of Grande’s co-stars too. Her blonde hair has turned heads since she debuted it in October 2022. Her champagne locks along with her lithe figure, vocal changes, and emotional media interviews have concerned Arianators. Recently, Grande has darkened her hair, exciting fans who hope to see Ariana return to her pre-Wicked status as a brunette pop star.

Grande’s supporters wondered if her bright blonde hair was here to stay. She last experimented with blonde hair in 2018, adopting a platinum look during her Sweetener era. Then, Wicked inspired her longest, blondest era yet. As the musical grossed over $681.4 million worldwide entering 2025, the “Break Free” singer maintained her hair and more refined speaking voice throughout promotional events.

Then, at the 2025 Golden Globes on January 5, she debuted a strawberry-blonde ponytail. Nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the awards show, Grande wore her hair in a high, tight ponytail with Audrey Hepburn-style bangs swept to the side. Two days later, Ari maintained her darker locks for the 2025 National Board of Review Gala in New York City.

The caramel-blonde color inspired Arianators to take to Reddit, commenting, “It’s crazy how just a slightly darker shade of hair makes her look so much better, hoping the brunette comes back soon.” One user wrote, “I’m loving this darker blonde on her. I wish she’d match the brows, but still stunning.” Another said, “Got to say it, brunette woulda slapped with this look.”

This “bronde” color has trended on social media in the past year. Many call it the perfect transitional shade between blonde and brunette. Does this mean Grande is pivoting back to brown? Wicked is still dominating at the box office. But we can’t help but think it might do the “Yes, And?” singer some good to return to her roots — a time when some viewed her as more “herself.”