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A New Look and a Familiar Face at the 2026 Golden Globes
At the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, Ariana Grande once again captured the spotlight, but not for the reasons fans might have expected. While her nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Wicked: For Good was a major talking point, it was the man sitting beside her that sparked the most intrigue. The 32-year-old singer and actress, known for her platinum blonde hair and signature style, arrived on the red carpet with a mystery companion, leading to widespread speculation about his identity.
However, sources quickly clarified that the man was not her boyfriend, actor Ethan Slater, who has been romantically linked to Grande in the past. Instead, she was accompanied by longtime best friend Doug Middlebrook, a familiar presence at her events over the years. Middlebrook even visited the set of Wicked during filming and recently shared a heartfelt tribute to Grande’s performance in the film.
"Barbra in Funny Girl, Debbie Reynolds in Singin’ In The Rain, Judy in everything… Ginger Rogers in Top Hat, Julie, Jeanette MacDonald, Liza, and now Ariana in Wicked," Middlebrook wrote. "I am such a proud friend. I can’t wait for the whole world to see her as she joins the great divas of the Hollywood movie musicals with this bewitching performance."
Grande’s appearance at the event also included a dramatic change in her hair color. She made a bold switch from her long-standing platinum blonde look to her natural brown hair, which immediately became a topic of discussion among fans and viewers. This shift marked a return to her roots after maintaining a lighter hue for her role as Glinda in the Wicked movie adaptations.
The new look featured a sleek, high ponytail paired with a black gown that draped off her shoulders, cinched at the waist, and flowed outward. She completed the ensemble with simple makeup, including winged eyeliner, and diamond jewelry. Fans took to social media to express their excitement about the change, with many commenting on how nostalgic it felt.
One fan wrote, "I’ve never been so happy to see a brunette ponytail." Another added, "OH SHE IS SO BACK." A third fan noted that the look reminded them of an earlier stage in Grande’s career, saying, "SHE LOOKS STRAIGHT OUT OF 2019." Others praised the return of her dark brows and hair, calling it a welcome throwback.
A Night of Glamour and Fashion Highlights
Grande was not the only celebrity to make an impression at the event. Selena Gomez turned heads in a black dress with an off-the-shoulder top and a white top, while comedian Nikki Glaser, who had previously hosted the ceremony, appeared in a light pink gown. Other attendees included musicians, actors, and reality TV stars, all contributing to the evening’s fashion highlights.
The Golden Globe Awards were broadcast live on CBS and available for streaming on Paramount+. The event brought together representatives from the film and television industries, highlighting its commitment to celebrating entertainment achievements.
Grande’s sudden style change at the awards show demonstrated how celebrities continue to reinvent themselves on the red carpet. Her ability to captivate audiences with both her work and her personal choices remains a testament to her influence in the entertainment world.
Family Concerns and Future Plans
In related news, Ariana Grande’s family has expressed growing concerns about her well-being as anxiety and exhaustion mount due to the intense press tour for Wicked: For Good and preparations for her upcoming tour. A recent red carpet incident reportedly worsened her anxiety, but co-star Cynthia Erivo has become a key source of support.
Despite these challenges, Grande continues to receive recognition for her work. However, insiders suggest that her upcoming "Eternal Sunshine" tour may be her last major tour for now. As she navigates this period of transition, fans remain supportive, eagerly anticipating what comes next.