Ariana Grande’s absence from the 2025 Grammy Awards marked her fifth consecutive year of skipping music’s biggest night, despite garnering three nominations. This continued a pattern of non-attendance that began in 2019, the year she received her first Grammy. While she graced the stage with a performance in 2020, subsequent years saw her consistently absent from the ceremony. Her reasons for abstaining have varied, from reported disagreements with producers to scheduling conflicts and personal choices. This year’s absence, however, coincided with a significant milestone in her career: her first Oscar nomination for her role in the film adaptation of the musical “Wicked.” This confluence of events highlights the evolving trajectory of Grande’s career, shifting from a predominantly music-focused path to one encompassing a broader spectrum of artistic endeavors.
The 2025 Grammy Awards saw Grande nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “The Boy Is Mine” with Brandy and Monica, Best Pop Vocal Album for “Eternal Sunshine,” and Best Dance Pop Recording for “Yes, And?” These nominations added to her already impressive tally of 18 Grammy nominations and two wins: Best Pop Vocal Album for “Sweetener” in 2019 and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Rain on Me” with Lady Gaga in 2021. Despite these accolades, Grande chose not to attend the ceremony, echoing her previous decisions to forego the event. Her 2019 absence stemmed from a reported clash with producers over her desired performance, while her 2021 absence coincided with Lady Gaga’s filming commitments for “House of Gucci.” In 2022, she publicly acknowledged her nominations while expressing her celebrations for fellow nominees, but remained absent from the event.
Grande’s decision to skip the 2025 Grammys was particularly notable given the significant career milestone she achieved just a month prior: her first Oscar nomination. Her portrayal of Galinda in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked” earned her a nomination for Actress in a Supporting Role, placing her in competition with esteemed actresses such as Monica Barbaro, Felicity Jones, Isabella Rossellini, and Zoe Saldaña. This nomination signified a pivotal moment in Grande’s career, marking her transition from a primarily musical artist to a recognized actress on the grand stage of cinema. The Oscar nomination arguably overshadowed her Grammy nominations, signifying a shift in her career focus and priorities.
The Oscar nomination for “Wicked” represented a culmination of Grande’s long-held passion for musical theatre and her dedication to expanding her artistic horizons. Her emotional response to the nomination, expressed via Instagram, underscored the significance of this achievement for her. She described the recognition as “unfathomable” and expressed pride in her journey from a young girl studying Judy Garland’s performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to an Oscar-nominated actress. This transition highlights Grande’s evolving artistic identity, moving beyond the confines of pop music to embrace the challenges and rewards of acting in a major motion picture.
Grande’s increasing involvement in film and television projects suggests a deliberate diversification of her career. Her role in “Wicked” is not an isolated incident but rather a part of a larger trend of exploring different avenues of artistic expression. This shift in focus aligns with the career trajectories of many multi-talented artists who seek to expand their creative reach beyond a single medium. By venturing into acting, Grande demonstrates her ambition to transcend the boundaries of pop music and establish herself as a versatile performer capable of captivating audiences in diverse artistic contexts.
While Grande’s absence from the 2025 Grammy Awards may have disappointed some fans, it also underscores her evolving priorities and the expanding scope of her career. The Oscar nomination for “Wicked” signifies a new chapter in her artistic journey, one that prioritizes acting alongside her musical pursuits. This transition represents a natural progression for an artist of Grande’s caliber, as she seeks new challenges and opportunities to express her creativity. Her future endeavors will likely continue to blur the lines between music and acting, solidifying her status as a multifaceted performer capable of captivating audiences across various artistic platforms.
