If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably noticed something felt... different. The pink is gone. The blonde is a memory. Recent pictures of Ariana Grande from the 2026 awards circuit aren’t just a fashion choice; they’re a full-blown declaration that the Wicked chapter has closed and a new, darker era has begun.
Honestly, it’s about time. Don’t get me wrong, we all loved the Method Dressing and the "Good Witch" energy that dominated her life for three years. But seeing her show up to the 83rd Golden Globes on January 11 in a massive, textured black Vivienne Westwood Couture gown? That was the moment everyone realized Ari is back to being Ari.
The Visual Shift in Recent Pictures of Ariana Grande
The transition started subtly at the tail end of 2025 during the Wicked: For Good press tour. While she was still rocking that ethereal Schiaparelli look in New York—the one with the 200 meters of silk organza—there was a pivot coming.
Then came January 4, 2026. Ariana walked into the Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar wearing a glimmering Alberta Ferretti cape gown. It was pale pink, yeah, but her hair had shifted to a warm auburn shade. It was a bridge look.
But then the Golden Globes happened.
Law Roach, the absolute legend, styled her in that off-the-shoulder Westwood gown. It featured a draped corset and a bubble skirt that felt like a final, ironic nod to Glinda’s bubble. But the color—total, deep black—spoke volumes. Some fans on TikTok were literally calling it "Glinda's Funeral."
✨ Don't miss: Melania Trump Wedding Photos: What Most People Get Wrong
Goodbye Blonde, Hello Iconic Ponytail
The most striking thing in recent pictures of Ariana Grande is the hair. She officially ditched the blonde back in October 2025, but the Golden Globes marked the return of the "Pop Star Ari" silhouette.
She wore a sleek, brunette party ponytail. It wasn't just a hairstyle; it was a brand.
- Color: Deep, rich brunette (darker than the auburn she showed off a week prior).
- Style: High ponytail with a single, sleek tendril framing her face.
- Vibe: A mix of vintage Hollywood and 2019-era Sweetener energy.
It’s kinda fascinating how much a hair color change can change the way people perceive her music. When she’s blonde, we expect ballads and theater. When she’s brunette, we’re all collectively bracing for the Eternal Sunshine Tour setlist.
What the 2026 Awards Circuit Pictures Tell Us
Beyond the red carpet, a very specific photo hit Instagram on January 14, 2026, that set the internet on fire. It was a joint post with her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey.
The two were sitting on a bench at the Art Institute of Chicago. The backdrop? Georges Seurat's iconic painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.
🔗 Read more: Erika Kirk Married Before: What Really Happened With the Rumors
Basically, it was a high-brow confirmation of the rumors: they are reuniting for a revival of the Stephen Sondheim musical Sunday in the Park with George at London's Barbican Theatre. Seeing them in such a "normal" setting—Ariana in a low-key outfit, looking like a literal art student—was such a departure from the high-glam shots we’ve seen all month.
Breaking Down the Glam Routine
If you want to see the "real" her, you’ve gotta check out the video she posted to the r.e.m. beauty Instagram account on January 13. She actually went bare-faced.
It’s rare to see a celebrity of her level do a full makeup-free tutorial before a major event like the Globes. She was wearing iridescent under-eye patches and teased what looks like a brand-new, unreleased r.e.m. beauty palette. The new palette is a different shape—not the usual rectangle—and the colors are definitely more "Spring 2026" than her previous drops.
The Eternal Sunshine Tour Tease
We also can't talk about recent pictures of Ariana Grande without mentioning the "work mode" shots. During her red carpet interview with Live From E!, she confirmed that rehearsals for the Eternal Sunshine Tour (launching June 2026 in Oakland) are starting "very soon."
She’s been working on the setlist for months.
💡 You might also like: Bobbie Gentry Today Photo: Why You Won't Find One (And Why That Matters)
Expect to see more "paparazzi" shots of her heading to dance studios in North Hollywood. Those candid photos—the ones with the oversized hoodies, the Starbucks cup, and the leg warmers—are usually the first hint at the tour's visual direction.
Why the Shift Matters
Look, she’s 32 now. She’s been through a lot of public scrutiny regarding her personal life and her appearance. The 2026 photos show a woman who is remarkably "at peace," which is a word she used herself in a recent Q&A.
She told fans on X that she wouldn’t be able to do this tour without the healing she found while playing Glinda. But the pictures prove she isn't letting that character define her forever.
Take Action: How to Track the New Era
- Watch for the Tour Rehearsal Style: The next wave of photos will be candid "street style." Look for a return to athletic wear and oversized silhouettes.
- Monitor r.e.m. Beauty: That unreleased palette she teased? It’s likely the "Spring/Summer 2026" collection. If you see her wearing a specific shimmery brow bone highlight in candid shots, that's the one.
- London Bound: Since the Sunday in the Park with George production is slated for London, expect to see her popping up in "recent pictures" across the pond by late 2026.
The era of pink is over. The era of Ariana, the versatile artist who can jump from a pop tour to a Sondheim revival without breaking a sweat, is just beginning. Keep an eye on her Instagram (@arianagrande) for the next joint post with Jonathan Bailey—that’s where the real tea is usually spilled.