Ariana Grande's New Look Sparks Frenzy As Fans Claim She 'Finally Looks Herself' Without Cynthia

Ariana Grande set the Golden Globes red carpet alight on Sunday as fans erupted over her dramatic new look, which many claim finally shows the real Ariana. The singer and actress, 32, debuted dark, glossy hair and a high ponytail reminiscent of her iconic style, leaving viewers commenting that 'Glinda is gone' and her voice sounded stronger and more confident than ever.

Return to Iconic Hair

Grande's Golden Globes appearance marked a return to her signature brunette locks and high ponytail, a stark contrast to the blonde hair she sported for her 2022 role as Glinda in Wicked. While she had already reverted to brunette in October, Sunday's event saw her hair looking darker and shinier than ever, paired with bold, well-defined eyebrows that framed her face.

The singer complemented her look with a stunning Vivienne Westwood gown, which fans said elevated her transformation even further. Social media erupted with comments noting that her return to brunette symbolised a personal revival, with one user writing, 'Ariana looks normal again when Cynthia wasn't around! Healing begins maybe!'

Voice Reclaimed

Fans were equally struck by Grande's vocal performance during interviews and clips from the Golden Globes. Many noted her voice sounded stronger and more confident, a departure from the soft, high-pitched tone she adopted for Glinda. A viral TikTok highlighted the change, with one user speculating that Ariana might have softened her voice for the role and retained it habitually, or perhaps to protect her vocal cords during filming.

'Her voice in this clip is stronger, louder and more confident than it was in any interview, fan interaction, BTS clip, anything during Wicked,' a fan wrote. The newfound vocal power was widely interpreted as a metaphorical shedding of her Glinda persona, signalling a creative and personal return to her authentic self.

Absence of Cynthia Erivo

Grande's Wicked co-star, Cynthia Erivo, did not attend the Golden Globes, prompting further speculation among fans about a potential feud. Erivo, who plays Elphaba in the film adaptation, is reportedly occupied with rehearsals for her West End production of Dracula in London.

The absence did not go unnoticed online. Tweets ranged from playful to conspiratorial, with one fan commenting, 'No, Cynthia Erivo is a bald witch who was draining the life force from Ariana Grande for 2 years,' while another asked, 'Where's the Wicked witch chick that's always with her?' Fans appeared convinced that Ariana's confident red-carpet revival was amplified by Erivo's absence, interpreting it as a form of personal liberation.

Award Recognition and Fan Reactions

Grande is nominated for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture for her role in Wicked, marking her first major Golden Globes recognition since her turn in the musical. The nomination, combined with her striking return to brunette and renewed vocal presence, only intensified fan enthusiasm online.

Social media exploded with praise, speculation, and memes celebrating what many are calling Ariana's 'true self' emerging after years of intense public scrutiny and method acting for Glinda. Fans hailed her appearance as a triumph, remarking that she looked healthier, more confident, and more like the Ariana they had known before the Glinda transformation.

Whether or not a feud exists with Erivo, Grande's Golden Globes moment has cemented itself as a defining red-carpet comeback. Between her award nomination, revitalised hair, and stronger voice, fans are calling it a pivotal moment in Ariana's post-Wicked career, one that proves she can shine both on-screen and in the spotlight as herself.