Ariana Grande is currently in the middle of a massive visual pivot. If you’ve scrolled through Instagram or checked the red carpet shots from the 2026 Golden Globes, you probably noticed something jarring. The pink is gone. Most current pictures of Ariana Grande show her trading in the sugary, "Galinda-fied" aesthetic for something much darker, sharper, and—honestly—a bit haunting.
It’s being called the Glinda Funeral era. After nearly two years of living in bubblegum tulle to promote the Wicked films, Ariana arrived at the Beverly Hilton on January 11, 2026, looking like a different person. She wore a voluminous, inky black Vivienne Westwood gown. No sparkles, no pink, just pure, architectural drama.
The Big Brunette Comeback
For the longest time, we were all getting used to the "Glinda Blonde." It was a polarizing look—bleached brows and honey-platinum hair that sometimes washed her out in paparazzi flashes. But the latest candid photos from early 2026 confirm she has officially returned to her roots.
She's back to a rich, deep chocolate brunette. At the Golden Globes, she didn't just bring back the color; she brought back the signature high ponytail. It felt like a homecoming for fans who missed the Dangerous Woman energy. Seeing her sway that ponytail on the red carpet felt like a definitive "Thank U, Next" to the method-dressing she did for Oz.
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Recent Appearances and the "Eternal Sunshine" Vibe
Outside of the big award shows, Ariana’s street style has been lean and sophisticated. We aren't seeing the oversized hoodies and over-the-knee boots of 2018. Instead, current pictures of Ariana Grande captured in New York and London show a heavy leaning into vintage archival fashion.
Working with stylist Law Roach, she’s been spotted in:
- A 1952 Gilbert Adrian one-shoulder gown (a nod to the original Wizard of Oz costume designer).
- Archival Vivienne Westwood corsets from the early 2000s.
- Custom Alberta Ferretti pink bejeweled capes (a final lingering nod to Glinda at the Critics Choice Awards).
There is a specific photo of her and Jonathan Bailey at the Art Institute of Chicago that went viral a few weeks ago. They’re sitting in front of Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte. It’s a quiet, high-brow moment that shows exactly where she is mentally: she’s moving from "Pop Princess" to "Prestige Actress."
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What’s Up with the R.E.M. Beauty Evolution?
If you look closely at the high-res close-ups from the January 2026 press stops, her makeup has shifted too. The "Glinda" look was all about soft, blurred edges and pink washes. The current Ariana look is much more defined.
She’s been using a yet-to-be-released Sweetener foundation and the Sweet Dreams eyeshadow palette from her own line, R.E.M. Beauty. The placement of her highlighter is higher, more angled, creating a sharper silhouette than the round, bubbly face we saw during the first Wicked press tour in 2024. It’s a "snatched" look that feels more mature.
The "Eternal Sunshine" Tour Photos
The excitement is peaking because Ariana officially announced the North American dates for The Eternal Sunshine Tour, starting June 2026. The promotional photography for the tour—shot by Katia Temkin—is already circulating.
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These photos are grainy, ethereal, and full of red accents. They stand in stark contrast to the bright, saturated images from her Wicked days. It’s clear she’s trying to bridge the gap between her theatrical side and her R&B roots. The tour kicks off in Oakland before heading to a four-night residency at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Expect the tour photography to be a mix of "theatre-kid" whimsy and moody, synth-pop visuals.
Why the Style Shift Matters
Celebrity style isn't just about clothes; it's about narrative. For two years, Ariana was a character. Every picture of her was a marketing tool for Universal Pictures.
Now, in 2026, we are seeing the "real" Ariana again—or at least the version she wants us to see as she navigates her thirties. The move to black gowns and natural hair suggests she’s ready to be taken seriously as a Best Supporting Actress contender (she was nominated for Wicked: For Good) and as a touring powerhouse.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators:
- Watch the Hair: If you’re looking to replicate her current vibe, the "Cool Girl Brunette" is the play. It’s a neutral-toned dark brown with high-shine gloss.
- Archival is King: Ariana is currently proving that wearing something from 1952 is cooler than wearing something from the 2026 runway. Vintage sourcing is the new luxury.
- The "Snatched" Blush: Her 2026 makeup technique involves sweeping blush directly under the cheekbones rather than on the apples of the cheeks to create a more carved-out look.
- Tour Prep: Keep an eye on her official site for "Eternal Sunshine" tour merch leaks; the current aesthetic suggests a lot of red, lace, and 1960s-inspired silhouettes.