Ariana Grande will no longer be appearing in the upcoming 13th season of the popular series American Horror Story, as confirmed by insider sources. Initially announced as part of the show’s cast in October 2025, her participation has been thwarted due to conflicting production schedules.
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The production dates for the new season were pushed to the summer of 2026, coinciding with Grande’s touring commitments. Her highly anticipated tour, titled The Eternal Sunshine Tour, commenced in early June, leaving her unable to join the cast of the Ryan Murphy anthology series.
Grande, 33, was set to join a star-studded ensemble that includes well-known figures such as Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Gabourey Sidibe, and Leslie Grossman. Previously, Grande had collaborated with Murphy on Scream Queens, which aired in 2015, alongside Roberts and Lourd.
In November 2025, the singer gave a brief glimpse into her potential role during an interview with Variety. She expressed excitement about being included in the project, sharing that Murphy had sent her a “very exciting text” regarding her participation. During the exchange, she noted that her involvement would be on a small scale, saying, “I’ll be grateful to be a part of it because I love everyone involved.”
Though her role in American Horror Story was anticipated, Grande’s focus seems to remain on her evolving acting career. In addition to her previously announced tour, she is set to appear in the comedic sequel, Focker-In-Law, which is due to hit cinemas this November alongside renowned actors Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro.
Moreover, Grande looks forward to returning to the stage in the West End revival of Sunday in the Park with George, scheduled for 2027, where she will reunite with actor Jonathan Bailey. In a conversation on the Today show last November, Grande shared her current enthusiasm for acting, stating that she is “enjoying acting right now.” She indicated her willingness to continue singing alongside her acting pursuits, assuring fans that music remains a priority.
While Grande’s departure from American Horror Story is unfortunate for fans, the series continues to generate excitement. Season 13 is currently in production and is set to include other notable talents such as Paul Anthony Kelly, Avantika, and Alex Consani. Kathy Bates, a familiar face within the franchise, has confirmed she will make a cameo appearance.
The highly anticipated season of American Horror Story is scheduled to premiere on September 24, airing on FX and streaming on Hulu. As the show continues its legacy of chilling storytelling, audiences will eagerly await to see what unfolds in this new chapter, minus the pop superstar.