Ariana Grande dedicates first Oscar nomination to younger self : 'I'm so proud of you, tiny'

Ariana Grande looked back on her childhood as she celebrated her first ever Academy Award nomination.

The singer and actress was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for playing Glinda in the musical-fantasy film, “Wicked.”

To celebrate, Ariana posted snaps from her childhood on Instagram. A childhood photo showed her wearing Dorothy’s iconic blue and white gingham dress from “The Wizard of Oz.” Ariana also posted an old video of her singing “The Wizard and I” by Elphaba from “Wicked.”

Ariana thanked The Academy “from the bottom of my heart, for this acknowledgement.”

“Picking my head up in between sobs to say thank you so much to @theacademy for this unfathomable recognition,” she said.

“I cannot stop crying, to no one’s surprise,” she added. “I’m humbled and deeply honored to be in such brilliant company and sharing this with tiny Ari who sat and studied Judy Garland singing ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ just before the big, beautiful bubble entered. I’m so proud of you, tiny.”

Ariana also thanked film director Jon Chu “for taking this chance on me and for being the most unbelievably brilliant leader, human being, and most fierce friend.”

She also honored her “Wicked” family, and co-star Cynthia Erivo, who is nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

The pop star also thanked Universal Studios, the film’s producers, and her family.

“I don’t quite have all my words yet, I’m still trying to breathe. But thank you. Oh my goodness, thank you.”

“Wicked” received 10 nominations at the 2025 Oscars, including Best Original Score, Best Production Design, and Best Picture.

Ariana made waves for her portrayal of Glinda in “Wicked,” which premiered in Philippine cinemas in November 2024.

The singer-songwriter is also a huge fan of the original musical and “The Wizard of Oz,” and even cried when she got the role of Glinda.

“Wicked: Part 1” followed Glinda and Elphaba on their self-discovery journeys and unlikely friendship at Shiz University.

“Wicked: For Good,” the musical and film’s second act, premieres in cinemas this year.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande)

—Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News