Scheduling Conflicts Lead to Exit
Ariana Grande will no longer be part of the highly anticipated thirteenth season of American Horror Story. According to reports, the 33-year-old performer has stepped away from the project due to logistical challenges. The conflict arose from overlapping changes in both the television show's production timeline and Grande’s current Eternal Sunshine Tour.
The tour is scheduled to wrap up in September, with several upcoming dates across New York, Canada, Chicago, and London. Notably, the singer had already shifted some of her July performance dates in Boston and Brooklyn last month. Sources indicate that Grande did not film any sequences for the new season, which is slated to premiere on September 24.
A History of Collaboration
Show creator Ryan Murphy had originally confirmed Grande's casting via social media last year. The pair share a professional history, having previously collaborated on Murphy’s series Scream Queens, where Grande portrayed the character Chanel No. 2.
Grande’s potential casting in the horror anthology followed the massive success of her role as Glinda in Wicked. Her career trajectory remains extremely busy, with roles in the upcoming film Focker-in-Law—hitting theaters in November—and a planned stage reunion with Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey for Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday In The Park With George. Additionally, fans are anticipating the July 31 release of her eighth studio album, Petal.
Returning Favorites
While Grande will not appear, season 13 still boasts a star-studded ensemble. Ryan Murphy has confirmed the return of several iconic franchise alumni, including:
- Jessica Lange
- Sarah Paulson
- Evan Peters
- Angela Bassett
- Kathy Bates
- Emma Roberts
The return of long-time stars like Lange and Peters has generated significant buzz among the show's dedicated fanbase. Speculation regarding their involvement had been circulating for some time, with Peters playfully teasing a potential return during the 2025 Emmys.
“Gotta call Ryan,” Peters remarked to Entertainment Tonight last September. “Gotta talk to him and see what’s going on with that. So, maybe we’ll get on that.”