✨ Ariana Grande’s Career Journey: From Nickelodeon to Wicked, VMAs Glory & Her 2026 World Tour

Mian Hamid September 08, 2025

N E E D   T O   K N O W

  • From TV to chart dominance – Ariana launched from Nickelodeon’s Victorious to multi-Platinum albums like Eternal Sunshine.

  • Wicked heights – Her role as Glinda in Wicked earned an Oscar nomination and broad acclaim.

  • Creative reinvention – She co-wrote and directed Brighter Days Ahead, a visionary short film tied to her deluxe album.

  •  Tour return in 2026 – She’s launching her first world tour since 2019: Eternal Sunshine Tour.

  • New movie roles – Starring in the Meet the Parents sequel and lending her voice to Oh, the Places You’ll Go!.

  • Trendsetting looks & awards – VMAs wins for her short film and a polka-dot Fendi look that lit up the red carpet.

  • Music evolution – Her new single “Supernatural” is a TikTok sensation, blending nostalgia and synth-pop magic.

Ariana Grande’s Career Ascendance: From Nickelodeon Star to Global Icon

✨ Ariana Grande’s Career Journey: From Nickelodeon to Wicked, VMAs Glory & Her 2026 World Tour

Ariana Grande’s career is soaring higher than ever—spanning TV beginnings, Oscar-nominated Wicked, her VMA-winning short film, viral new music, and the upcoming Eternal Sunshine world tour. Explore her biggest projects, style moments, and future roles.

⭐ Quick Career Snapshot: Ariana Grande 2025–2026

Ariana Grande is redefining her career with record-breaking milestones. From her Oscar-nominated role as Glinda in Wicked to winning Video of the Year at the 2025 MTV VMAs for Brighter Days Ahead, she continues to blend music and film mastery. Her viral hit “Supernatural” is topping TikTok charts, while fans worldwide await her first global trek in years—the Eternal Sunshine World Tour 2026. With upcoming roles in Meet the Parents 4 and the animated musical Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, Ariana’s career is soaring across screens, stages, and studios.

Introduction

From tween television stardom to the pinnacle of music, film, and fashion, Ariana Grande's career arc reads like a modern-day fairy tale. Her versatility—as a singer, actor, director, and creator—cements her as one of the most dynamic entertainers of her generation. In this feature, we explore the major chapters of her trajectory: breakthrough roles, chart-topping songs, cinematic triumphs, upcoming ventures, and her return to the stage—each reflecting an artist in metamorphosis.

1. From Screen Debut to Pop Powerhouse

Ariana Grande first captured hearts on Victorious (2010–2013) and Sam & Cat, where her powerhouse vocals hinted at bigger things. Her pivot to music was seamless; debut albums Yours Truly and My Everything cemented her pop star status.

In March 2024, she released her seventh studio album, Eternal Sunshine, marking a creative and emotional return. This album spawned the futuristic short film Brighter Days Ahead (2025), co-directed by Grande and Christian Breslauer. The musical sci-fi visual won Video of the Year and Best Pop Video at the 2025 VMAs, signaling her growing role behind the lens.

Her single “Supernatural”, a synth-pop gem from the deluxe album, has become a viral hit—spawning TikTok trends and earning praise for its catchy, nostalgic groove.

2. Cinematic Stardom: Wicked and Beyond

✨ Ariana Grande’s Career Journey: From Nickelodeon to Wicked, VMAs Glory & Her 2026 World Tour

Ari’s transformation into acting royalty came with her portrayal of Glinda in the musical blockbuster Wicked (2024), a role that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

She’s already stepping back into Oz with the sequel, Wicked: For Good, premiering November 21, 2025.

But her future extends beyond Oz. Ariana will star in the upcoming Meet the Parents 4 (also known as Focker In-Law), set for release in November 2026. Reprising iconic roles alongside Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller, it’s an exciting new chapter in her film career.

On a more whimsical note, she’s lending her voice to the animated musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, directed by Jon M. Chu and set for release in March 2028. Original music will be by EGOT-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

3. A Triumphant Return: The Eternal Sunshine Tour

After seven years away from major concert touring, Ariana confirmed her Eternal Sunshine Tour, launching June 2026 in the Bay Area and stretching across the U.S., with international dates—including five nights at London’s O2 Arena in August.

The tour was teased via a cryptic Instagram post (“See you next year…”), igniting fan excitement.

4. Artistic Evolution: From Music to Film to Sets

With Brighter Days Ahead, Ariana expanded her creative footprint—blending music, film, and storytelling. Her dual role as director and star demonstrates a shift from performer to multi-hyphenate creator.

Musically, her work continues to resonate. Eternal Sunshine weaves personal themes of healing and growth, and the deluxe release provides fans with fresh content and visuals—further cemented by her VMA success and cinematic transparency.

5. Visual Moments & Awards Season Highlights

✨ Ariana Grande’s Career Journey: From Nickelodeon to Wicked, VMAs Glory & Her 2026 World Tour

Ariana’s visual presence continues to dominate culture—not just in music or film, but in style moments that make headlines:

  • At the 2025 MTV VMAs, she turned heads in a custom Fendi black-and-white polka-dot dress with a pink peplum and matching bow—hailed as a modern Audrey Hepburn homage.

  • At the same event, she triumphed—winning Video of the Year and Best Pop Video for Brighter Days Ahead.

  • At the 97th Academy Awards, she opened the show with Defying Gravity in a Glinda-inspired red sequin gown by Schiaparelli—complete with ruby-red pumps and a theatrical nod to The Wizard of Oz .

Conclusion

Ariana Grande is no longer a singular ‘pop star’. She’s an evolving auteur—writing, directing, acting, singing, and shaping her own narrative across platforms. With major projects on the horizon, a celebratedFilmography, a blazing visual identity, and a global tour incoming, she’s standing at the crossroads of artistry and iconography.

Tags: