After two years of seeing Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo joint at the hip on the red carpet, it felt strangely unfamiliar to see Ariana arriving solo at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards in Santa Monica on Sunday.
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association
The Glinda-coded pink remains part of the story, as Ariana wore a custom Alberta Ferretti gown in soft pink satin, designed with an off-the-shoulder neckline and a tailored base, finished with a floor-length white tulle cape embroidered with silver floral appliqués that floated lightly around her. The result felt romantic, but not locked into character dressing—more a gentle acknowledgement of the Wicked era than a continuation of it.
And of course, anyone familiar with Law Roach’s approach knows there’s always a reference at play. Ariana’s gown carried a clear nod to Diahann Carroll’s iconic 1969 Oscars look, widely believed to have been designed by William Travilla.
What truly shifts the conversation, though, is the beauty look. The platinum blonde that often washed her out under unforgiving red carpet lighting is gone. In its place is the return of her warm auburn tone. Paired with richer, warmer makeup, the change feels deliberate, as if Ariana is easing herself out of her character era and into a broader awards-season identity.
If this is Ariana stepping away from Glinda mode and into a new awards-season chapter, I’m very interested to see where she goes next.
Stylist: Law Roach.
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