Ariana Grande Teases 2026 Development

Pop sensation and former ‘The Voice’ coach Ariana Grande took to social media on July 16 to address rumors that she’s taking a step back from her music career to focus on acting. Following the success of Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked” last year, which earned the star a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination in January, Grande is now gearing up to embark on the press tour for the film’s sequel, “Wicked: For Good” alongside co-star Cynthia Erivo. 

Now, the 32-year-old “7 Rings” singer has landed yet another film role, having officially joined the cast of Chu’s upcoming animated adaption of Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” alongside “Frozen” voice actor and Broadway star Josh Gad, leading fans to questions whether or not Grande has permanently paused her music career. 

Grande Says Fans are ‘Silly’ for Thinking She’d Ever Leave Music

Grande addressed the rumors on Instagram on Wednesday, assuring fans that more music is on the way after the 2024 release of her 7th studio album, “Eternal Sunshine.”

“Very silly of you all to assume that just because I have my hands full with many things that I plan to abandon music & singing,” wrote Grande online alongside a clip of her singing her chart-topping hit “Into You” at the 2025 Met Gala. “[Music] is and has always been my lifeline. There will need to be room made for all of it. It may not look exactly like it did before but I much prefer how it looks in my head.” 

Grande has been singing since her youth, joining the cast of Broadway’s “13: The Musical” when she was just 15 years old. Since then, the star has released several best-selling albums, including her debut “Your Truly” record in 2013, followed up by “My Everything” (2014), “Dangerous Woman” (2016), “Sweetner” (2018), “Thank U, Next” (2019), “Positions” (2020) and “Eternal Sunshine” (2024). 

Last fall, Grande returned to her Broadway roots as she lent her vocal talents to the cast recording of “Wicked,” adapted from the 2003 Stephen Schwartz musical of the same name, based on the “untold story” of “The Wizard of Oz’s” Wicked Witch of the West. 

Apart from the “Wicked” films, and her now-iconic run as Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s “Victorious” series, Grande’s on-screen resume will grow will her scheduled appearance in the fourth installment of the “Meet the Parents” franchise alongside actors like Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro next November. Earlier this week, the star also revealed that she would be continuing to nurse her acting career in Warner Bros. Pictures Animation’s “Oh, The Place You’ll Go,” slated for release in March 2028. 

Grande Teases New Musical Project for 2026

Speaking on landing the role, Grand said she was “grateful and excited and inspired,” though she promised fans she’s trying to find “a balance between many projects and endeavors I love, and doing it my own way.”

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“I’m working on a plan to sing for you all next year,” teased the former “The Voice” judge. “Even if it’s just for a little.”

It remains unclear as to what exactly Grande has planned for her 2026 music career, though options could include live performances, like her “Wicked”-inspired medley at the 2025 Oscars, a new album, or a concert tour, which the singer hasn’t embarked on since her Sweetener World Tour in 2019.