Ariana Grande fires back at critics over 'voice change'

Ariana Grande has spoken out against the criticism she's faced regarding her 'changing voice,' suggesting that the backlash might have been different if she were a man.

The pop star, who recently appeared on Penn Badgley’s Podcrushed podcast, sparked a social media frenzy earlier this year after fans noticed her switching between two distinct voices—one lower and huskier, the other notably higher—during the interview. 

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, she addressed the controversy head-on, explaining the nuances of vocal transformation, particularly for someone in her line of work. 

"There is a part of the world that isn’t familiar with what it takes to transform your voice, whether it’s singing, taking on a different dialect for a role, or doing a character voice for something," she shared.

She also pointed out the double standards at play, noting how male actors often receive praise for such vocal shifts. 

"When it’s a male actor that does it, it’s acclaimed. There might be jokes, but they always lead with praise: Oh, wow, he was so lost in the role, and that’s just seen as part of the job," Ariana remarked, calling attention to the disparity in how men and women are perceived in the industry.

Grande has opened up about the scrutiny she's faced over her changing voice, calling it a "tale as old as time" for women in the entertainment industry. 

The who stars as Glinda in the upcoming Wicked film, has been criticized for the variations in her speaking voice, which many fans noticed during an appearance on Penn Badgley's Podcrushed podcast earlier this year.

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Ariana explained that she often changes her vocal placement, depending on her workload and vocal health. 

"You are treated differently, and you are under a microscope in a way that some people aren’t," she remarked, emphasizing the double standards women face.