Ariana Grande bows out of American Horror Story's season 13 just 2 months before premiere

If you were expecting to spot Ariana Grande in the next round of American Horror Story, well, that plan is officially off the table. The pop juggernaut has pulled out of the show, and not just quietly in the background — she never even made it to set.

Grande Ghosts American Horror Story

Here’s the rundown: FX is gearing up to drop Season 13 of American Horror Story on Thursday, 24 September. It was all set to feature Ariana Grande, fresh from her stint playing Glinda in Wicked, making her debut appearance in Ryan Murphy’s famously weird horror circus. Except… she isn’t. Her camp has confirmed she’s out, citing the classic 'scheduling conflicts' as the reason. Some sources have actually underlined that she didn’t film a single scene. And, for now, no official statement from either FX or 20th Television about her sudden exit. Honestly, rarely do stars bail quite this last minute — especially when banners have already been printed with their faces on.

No Grande, But Filming Rolls On

There’s no shortage of conspiracy theories online, but here’s what’s actually confirmed: on-set sightings of Frances Conroy and Alex Consani doing outdoor scenes recently, while Grande, who ought to have been there, was conspicuously absent. So, not even a cameo floating around on hard drives.

How She Was Meant to Fit In

• The big casting reveal was 25 October last year: Grande officially added to Season 13’s ensemble, joining Conroy, Consani, Paul Anthony Kelly, Berto Colón, and Joey Pollari.
• In November 2025, Grande gave the world a tiny teaser of her role, describing it as 'a very tiny thing to do' and, in her words, 'I know a little tiny bit about the role but what I know I can’t say. But I’ll be grateful to be a part of it because I love everyone involved.'

What’s Actually Filling Her Calendar

There’s good reason for her diary-reading headaches. Grande is deep into her Eternal Sunshine Tour at the moment. Already, the Brooklyn stop scheduled for 12 July has been pushed to 14 July, and the Boston shows got shuffled around, landing now on 23 July and 26 July instead. She’s also jetting through New York, Chicago, Canada, and — for the lucky ones — London.

Beyond singing, she isn’t slowing down with acting gigs either. She told Today recently:

'I really am enjoying acting right now. Whether it’s movies or being on stage or a little something here and there, I think that’s currently what I’m most inspired by.'

Next up for her on the film front, she’s starring in the comedy sequel Focker-In-Law — yes, with Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro back as well — which is slated to drop 25 November 2026. And then there’s Sunday in the Park with George (2027), which sees her teaming up again with Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey.