Ariana Grande, the renowned pop star and actress currently starring in *Wicked*, has always been open about her voice and its evolution over the years. 

Despite being in the industry for over a decade, the Grammy-winning artist continues to face criticism, particularly regarding her vocal range and higher-pitched speaking voice. 

However, Ariana is not one to shy away from addressing her critics head-on. 

In a candid conversation during the February 3 episode of the *Smartless* podcast, Ariana finally cleared up the misconceptions surrounding her voice.

For many, Ariana Grande’s voice has been iconic since her early days on *Victorious*. 

Her impressive vocal range, which spans multiple octaves, has made her one of the most recognizable singers in the world. 

But recently, some fans and online critics have been questioning her higher-pitched speaking voice, especially as it has become more prominent in her role as Glinda the Good Witch in *Wicked*.

Ariana, who earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Glinda, explained that her higher-pitched voice is something she uses deliberately to protect her vocal health. “The thing that I do that perplexes people so much—and it’s just so funny because if you’re a person who uses their voice, you know about this,” she said on the podcast. “If I have a long day of press or if I have to sing, I’ll place [my voice] a little higher.” 

She went on to explain that changing her vocal placement is a technique used to help preserve her voice over long periods of singing and speaking. “I’ll change my vocal placement to kind of preserve. But that is just something that’s healthy for the voice. It’s just basically pitching your voice up a tiny bit.” This strategy helps her avoid strain, ensuring that she can continue to perform at a high level, both as a singer and an actress.

Despite her thorough explanation, some critics still insist that her higher-pitched voice is not “real,” questioning whether it’s a result of her acting role or a deliberate attempt to alter her natural speaking tone. Ariana addressed these claims directly, calling the criticism “interesting.” “It’s just a normal thing for vocalists,” she added, responding to those who have labeled her voice as “fake.” “But people are like, ‘That’s not her natural voice.’ And I’m like, ‘Well, it is actually, but it’s just a little higher. All of it is natural.’”

This isn’t the first time Ariana has faced scrutiny for her voice. Last year, when she began her role as Glinda in *Wicked*, she quickly responded to online comments with grace, emphasizing that her voice is indeed her own, even if it sounds different in certain contexts. Despite addressing the issue multiple times, Ariana acknowledged that the questions about her “real voice” continue to persist. “It’s so funny because I’ve talked about it a zillion times,” she remarked, “and people are still like, ‘Where’s your real voice?’ And I’m like, ‘Well, they all are.’”

In addition to discussing her vocal technique, Ariana reflected on her role as Glinda and how the character’s influence has impacted her voice. “Galinda required a lot of vocal work for me,” she explained in a January interview with *Variety*. She believes that some aspects of her Glinda portrayal, including her crisper articulation and higher register, may stay with her going forward. “Certain things maybe won’t melt away. Some will, but I’m really grateful for the pieces that will stay with us forever,” she added. For Ariana, this experience has left her with a lasting connection to the character—and to her voice.

While the criticisms may never fully stop, Ariana’s approach to handling them has been one of patience and positivity. As she continues to evolve as an artist and performer, she remains committed to protecting her vocal health, and she hopes to inspire others to do the same. “What a beautiful thing to be left with, and to feel the ghost of every day,” she said of the changes her voice has undergone as a result of her work on *Wicked*.

Ariana’s confidence in her voice and her ability to handle criticism with grace shows that, despite the scrutiny, she’s unbothered by the noise. Her talent and authenticity continue to shine through, no matter how many critics may question her “real voice.”

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