5 Daring Moves: Inside Ariana Grande's 'Nekad' Era And The Shocking 'Wicked' Controversy
The pop landscape has been irrevocably reshaped in late 2024 and 2025 by Ariana Grande's series of bold, unapologetic, and what many in the media have dubbed 'nekad' (daring or reckless) professional and personal decisions. The massive success of her film role as Glinda in *Wicked* and the introspection of her album *Eternal Sunshine* have been constantly overshadowed by a whirlwind of public scrutiny, making her latest era the most controversial of her career.
The intensity surrounding the superstar is unprecedented, especially following the high-profile relationship with her *Wicked* co-star, Ethan Slater. This period has seen Grande shed her carefully curated image, choosing instead to confront the drama head-on through her art and public appearances, cementing her status as a figure who is unafraid to make controversial moves. The following list breaks down the most significant and daring actions that define her recent 'nekad' era.
Ariana Grande-Butera: A Brief Biography and Career Profile
Ariana Grande-Butera is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, renowned globally for her impressive four-octave vocal range and her ability to blend pop, R&B, and trap influences.
- Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
- Born: June 26, 1993
- Birthplace: Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
- Career Start: Began her career as a teenager in the 2008 Broadway musical *13*.
- Breakthrough Role: Gained prominence as Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon television series *Victorious* (2010–2013) and its spin-off, *Sam & Cat* (2013–2014).
- Major Albums: *Yours Truly*, *My Everything*, *Dangerous Woman*, *Sweetener*, *Thank U, Next*, *Positions*, and *Eternal Sunshine*.
- Recent Marriages/Relationships: Was married to Dalton Gomez (2021–2024); currently in a high-profile relationship with actor Ethan Slater.
The 5 Most 'Nekad' (Daring) Moves of Ariana Grande's Latest Era
The term 'nekad'—often used in Indonesian media to describe bold, reckless, or audacious behavior—perfectly captures the spirit of Grande's actions throughout the *Wicked* production and the release of her seventh studio album, *Eternal Sunshine*.
1. The Controversial Relationship with Ethan Slater
Without a doubt, the most shocking and 'nekad' move was the public revelation of her relationship with her *Wicked* co-star, Ethan Slater. The two met on the set of the highly anticipated film adaptation, where Grande plays Glinda and Slater plays Boq.
The relationship became a massive scandal in mid-2023 because both were reportedly still married—Grande to luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez, and Slater to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, with whom he had recently welcomed a child.
Despite the immense media backlash and accusations of being a "homewrecker," Grande and Slater continued their romance, eventually making their relationship Instagram official in November 2024. This decision to pursue the relationship publicly, amidst the intense scrutiny, was a powerful, 'nekad' defiance of public opinion.
2. Confronting Rumors Head-On with the *Eternal Sunshine* Album
Instead of hiding from the controversy, Grande made the 'nekad' decision to address the rumors and her divorce directly through her music. Her 2024 album, *Eternal Sunshine*, is widely interpreted as a breakup record about her marriage to Dalton Gomez.
The lead single, "yes, and?", was a direct, self-referential challenge to her critics, featuring lyrics that essentially told the public to mind their own business. This bold artistic choice was a risky move, as it generated further controversy and attention for the album, but ultimately allowed her to control the narrative.
The album’s success—cementing her as a dominant force in pop—proved that her willingness to be vulnerable and confrontational was a calculated, daring risk that paid off.
3. Daring Fashion Statements on the Red Carpet
Ariana Grande has also been 'nekad' in her fashion choices, signaling a shift in her public image. At the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, she made headlines by wearing a striking "Nude Dior Cage Dress." The sheer, avant-garde ensemble with floral appliqués was a major departure from her previous, often more demure, styles.
This choice was interpreted by many as a statement of confidence and a refusal to be constrained by traditional celebrity aesthetics. It was a visual representation of her new, unbothered persona, demonstrating a daring willingness to embrace more provocative and high-fashion looks, regardless of the inevitable public commentary.
4. Taking on the Iconic Role of Glinda in *Wicked*
Professionally, taking on the role of Glinda the Good Witch in the two-part film adaptation of the Broadway musical *Wicked* was a significant, 'nekad' career pivot. While she began her career in musical theater, returning to a major acting role, especially one as iconic as Glinda, was a high-stakes gamble. The role demands immense vocal talent and stage presence, inviting comparisons to the original Broadway stars.
The entire *Wicked* press tour, which she navigated alongside co-star Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), was a masterclass in handling intense public scrutiny while maintaining professional composure, a testament to her 'nekad' commitment to the project despite the surrounding personal drama.
5. The Unapologetic Stance on Privacy
Throughout the drama, Grande adopted an increasingly 'nekad' and bold stance on her personal privacy. In the past, she often used her music to process public events, but this time, she actively pushed back against the expectation that she owed the public an explanation for her personal life choices.
This refusal to "shed light on rumors," as reported by various outlets, is a 'nekad' act of boundary-setting in an era where celebrities are expected to be constantly transparent. By choosing to only speak through her music and curated public appearances, she demonstrated a daring commitment to her own well-being and a challenge to the intrusive nature of modern celebrity culture. This move is part of a larger pattern of her controversies never truly impacting her career trajectory, suggesting a powerful, resilient approach to fame.
Topical Authority Entities & LSI Keywords
To fully understand the context of Ariana Grande’s 'nekad' era, it is essential to consider the key entities and related concepts that dominated the public conversation:
- Key Figures: Ethan Slater, Dalton Gomez, Lilly Jay, Cynthia Erivo, Jon M. Chu (Wicked director), Pete Davidson.
- Projects: *Wicked* (Part One & Two), *Eternal Sunshine* (Album), “yes, and?”, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”, *Victorious*, Broadway musical *13*.
- Controversy Themes: Homewrecker allegations, divorce, celebrity image problem, public perception, ticket resale prices, 'Asian fishing' accusations.
- Fashion & Events: Critics Choice Awards, Dior Cage Dress, Grammys.
- Musical Concepts: Pop superstar, vocal range, break-up album, lead single, pop music scene.
Ariana Grande's recent actions, from her tumultuous personal life to her bold artistic statements, are a clear demonstration of a star operating in a 'nekad' mode—daring, unapologetic, and in complete control of her narrative. This era, defined by the *Wicked* drama and the success of *Eternal Sunshine*, confirms her status as one of the most resilient and headline-generating figures in contemporary pop culture.
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