Photo: Universal/Everett Collection. The other day, my friend DJ Louie XIV, who hosts a podcast about obsessively ranking pop stars, posed a thought-provoking question to me. With the release of Wicked and the praise for Ariana Grande's performance as Glinda, he asked if this was the "best week to be an Arianator." I took this question seriously and brought it to my younger sister, who has attended every Ariana tour and is deeply invested. We engaged in a debate about which week could be considered the best for Arianators.

Ariana Grande's Transition from Pop to Acting - A Journey Worth Watching

Striking a Balance: Pop and Acting

Our work as consulting Arianators, although unpaid and part-time with no boss or office and seemingly bad HR (Ariana doesn't condone the name "Arianator"), was not over. After pondering what Ariana should do next, we realized her future lies in both pop and acting. As she warned on Las Culturistas, she loves both and wants to explore more acting roles. This is a significant step for her as she reconnects with her musical theater roots and heals through different characters.In Wicked, Ariana showcased her talent on a whole new level. She was on a par with Old Hollywood heroines like Barbra Streisand and Lucille Ball. Singing live while hanging precariously from a chandelier, high-kicking in a hallway, and mastering comedic timing, she proved her versatility. It was a moment that marked her as a genuine movie star.

Reimagining Iconic Careers

If Ariana were to recreate Barbra Streisand's entire film career, it would be a sight to behold. Imagine her chomping carrots under a jaunty chapeau in a What's Up, Doc? remake opposite Jonathan Bailey. Or envision her in the Italian version of Yentl, dressing up as Mario to attend culinary school. She could even put Lea Michele in the Saw basement and remake Funny Girl. Another possibility is a sequel to The Way We Were as Katie and Hubbell's daughter, setting the Plaza Hotel on fire in an act of protest and falling in love with her pro bono bail lawyer played by Jonathan Bailey. These ideas would showcase her range and talent.

Cher's Romantic Comedy

Cher's turn in Moonstruck won her an Oscar and solidified her as a pop star turned movie star. Ariana needs her own Moonstruck moment. We can imagine her stripping off her makeup, taking on a quotidian job, and donning a little scarf with a Brooklyn accent. Maybe she plays a jaded MTA driver who rethinks her beliefs after saving a woman's dog and losing a hand. She then brings fresh pasta to the hospital and a passionate romance ensues.

The Bodyguard: Love in the Surveillance State

Ariana as Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey as her bodyguard create a captivating story. Falling in love under the surveillance state where everyone is a stalker, Ariana goes onstage to accept her Best Supporting Actress award for Wicked and faces a surprise. Jonathan intercepts a plate of fresh pasta thrown at her, losing his hand. Their passionate kiss in front of the MTA train is a memorable moment.

Embracing Her Gay Identity

In Wicked, Glinda is hinted to be "a little in the closet." Why not let Ariana be actually gay in her next movie? She could play an out-and-proud pasta magnate named Mia, reeling after a breakup. Consulting with gay art consultant Bette Porter, she learns about art and food. Their connection leads to a seduction and the invention of bucatini in a dream ballet sequence with Jonathan Bailey.

The Ari Aster Collaboration

Ariana's love for horror movies and her unique personality make her a perfect match for Ari Aster. They could create a Christmas variety special or a music video about a murderous ponytail. A movie about a musical theater genius tricked into a contract and moving into a haunted villa with her gay family would be a thrilling concept. She would receive a list of movie ideas and have to choose one each year.These are just some of the many possibilities for Ariana Grande's future in both pop and acting. She has the talent and potential to shine in various fields and continue to captivate audiences.