Ariana Grande and the "award show" have always had a complicated relationship. Honestly, it’s been a wild ride from her 2013 American Music Awards debut where she looked genuinely terrified while winning New Artist of the Year, to the 2025 Oscars where she basically owned the room alongside Cynthia Erivo. If you’ve followed her for a decade, you know the vibe has shifted. It’s no longer just about the high ponytail and the four-octave range; it’s about a woman who has navigated the highest highs and some pretty public lows while the cameras were rolling.
What Really Happened at the 2025 Ariana Grande Award Show Opener
The 97th Academy Awards in March 2025 was a massive pivot point. People expected a simple song-and-dance routine to promote Wicked, but what we got was a full-blown "Wizard of Oz" multiverse moment. Ariana kicked things off in a ruby red dress—a clear nod to Dorothy—singing "Over the Rainbow" with a vulnerability that felt lightyears away from her "7 Rings" era.
When Cynthia Erivo joined her for "Defying Gravity," the energy in the Dolby Theatre shifted. You could see the professional bond there. It wasn't just a pop star doing a movie promo; it was two leads who had spent years living in Oz together. That performance wasn't just about the notes (which were, obviously, insane). It was about Ariana proving she could transition from the Grammy stage to the "prestige" stage without losing what makes her her.
The Grammy History: Wins, Losses, and No-Shows
Despite being one of the most streamed humans on the planet, Ariana’s Grammy count often surprises people. As of early 2026, she holds two wins out of nearly 20 nominations.
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- The First Win: It didn't even happen on camera. She won Best Pop Vocal Album for Sweetener in 2019 but skipped the ceremony after a dispute with the producers over her setlist.
- The Gaga Collab: Her second win came in 2021 for "Rain on Me." Again, she wasn't there in person due to the pandemic and general low-key vibes that year.
- The 2025 Snubs: At the 67th Annual Grammys in February 2025, Eternal Sunshine was up for Best Pop Vocal Album. While she didn't take home the trophy that night, the discourse around "The Boy Is Mine" (the remix with Brandy and Monica) being nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance showed that she’s still very much the "it" girl for collaborations.
Why the 2025 VMAs Felt So Personal
If you saw the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, you saw a different side of her. When she won Video of the Year for "Brighter Days Ahead," her speech was... well, it was real. She actually thanked her therapist. In the middle of a glitzy ariana grande award show moment, she stopped to acknowledge the mental health journey that's been a subtext of her music since 2018. She also thanked her dad, Ed, which was a big deal for fans who know their history of estrangement.
She's 32 now. The "tiny elephant" nickname from the Nickelodeon days is ancient history. Watching her at the VMAs, you get the sense she’s finally comfortable in her own skin, even when the "memory eraser" jokes (referencing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) are flying.
The Wicked Factor: 2026 Golden Globes and Beyond
We’re currently seeing a "double-dip" in history. At the 2026 Golden Globes, both Ariana and Cynthia Erivo were nominated again for the same roles in Wicked: For Good (the second part of the movie). It’s a rare feat. Usually, sequels get ignored by the "serious" critics, but Ariana’s Glinda has been a lock for supporting actress nods across the board.
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Some critics have been harsh on the second film's pacing—calling it a "stinky mess" in a few brutal reviews—but they almost always pause to say Ariana is the standout. She’s managed to make a bubbly, "popular" character feel like a real person with a broken heart.
The Evolution of the Red Carpet
Ariana's style at these events has gone through distinct "geologic" eras.
- The Floral Era: Early 2014, lots of Dolce & Gabbana, very "good girl" pop star.
- The Cloud Era: Huge, grey tulle gowns (remember the 2020 Grammys?) that took up three seats.
- The Method Era: Since Wicked started, she’s been almost exclusively in Glinda-pink or "Oz-ian" silhouettes. At the 2025 Oscars, she broke that trend with the ruby red, signaling a move toward the "Dorothy" archetype.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to track her next big moves or want to catch the "Eternal Sunshine Tour" that kicks off in June 2026, keep these things in mind. The awards season for Wicked: For Good is the last time we'll see her in "Glinda mode" for a while. She’s already booked roles in Focker In-Law and American Horror Story, so the next time she hits an award show, the look and the vibe will likely be completely different.
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Check the official tour dates for the North American leg—Oakland, Atlanta, and Brooklyn are expected to sell out in minutes. If you missed her hosting Saturday Night Live in December 2025 with Cher, find the "Domingo" sketches. They’re basically the new standard for her comedic timing.
The era of Ariana Grande being "just a pop star" at these events is over. She's a theater kid who conquered the world, and her award show appearances now reflect a woman who is finally calling her own shots.
Next Steps for Following Ariana's 2026 Season:
- Monitor the 2026 Oscar Nominations: Final ballots are being cast, and Ariana is a top contender for the Supporting Actress category for Wicked: For Good.
- Book Eternal Sunshine Tour Tickets: The presale for the England dates in August 2026 begins shortly; ensure your "fan-rank" is updated on her official site to get priority access.
- Watch the SNL Christmas Special Replay: Her December 20, 2025, hosting gig is now streaming on Peacock, featuring her first live performance with Cher.