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Ariana Grande Posts Rare ‘Wizard of Oz’ Throwback in Honor of Her 30th Birthday

Ariana Grande Gray Dress Grammys CAT2
David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Wait, is that a little Ariana Grande?! Last week, the “Thank U Next” singer celebrated her 30th birthday. In honor of the huge milestone, Grande posted a never-before-seen throwback photo from her childhood on social media, and we can’t get over how much the musician has grown up. 

In the recent photo shared on Instagram, the Victorious alum (who looks around nine years old) was sitting in front of a Christmas tree while wearing a Dorothy costume from The Wizard of Oz.

The caption read: “Hbd, tiny! I trust you implicitly & have never been prouder of you.”

Many of her celebrity friends flooded the comments section with birthday messages. Grande’s former Victorious castmate Elizabeth Gillies wrote, “Omg. Happy 30th. I love you.” Even Lizzo couldn’t resist the urge to leave a birthday comment, writing, “Awww happy birthday.” 

The message that really made us smile came from her Wicked co-star, Cynthia Erivo. Underneath the happy bday post, the actress wrote: “Happy birthday baby love, it is a joy to be in your life at this moment in time. May the light you experience from the growth you have allowed yourself keep growing and glowing!! I love you, here’s to many more years my love.”

Prior to sharing the childhood throwback, the “Positions” singer treated her followers to a first glimpse photo of herself dressed as Glinda on the Wicked movie set. In the sneak peek, Grande can be seen wearing a pink sparkly ball gown and a blonde ponytail. 

In the upcoming movie adaption (which is set to premiere in 2024), Grande will play Glinda the Good Witch, while Erivo is set to portray Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West, respectively. Aside from Grande and Erivo, the ensemble cast includes names like Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum and more.  

You’ve grown so much, Ariana.

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Assistant Editor, News And Entertainment

  • Covers all things news and entertainment
  • Has over 5+ years of reporting on celebrity news and pop culture
  • Studied Journalism at Brooklyn College