Ariana Grande's 'Wicked' Soars to #35 After TikTok Dance Challenge

  ariana-grande-s-wicked-soars-to-35-after-tiktok-dance-challenge.html
  Media and Entertainment on Wed, Dec 10th, 2025 by The Hollywood Reporter
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Frankie Grande, Ariana Grande and the “Wicked” Viral Phenomenon: A Full‑Scale Breakdown

In a surprising turn of events, a relatively short TikTok clip has catapulted the names Frankie Grande, Ariana Grande and an up‑and‑coming choreographer named Tracy Gilchrist into the spotlight. The piece published by The Hollywood Reporter dives deep into the moment that turned a playful dance into a cultural moment, examines the roles each figure played, and highlights what this could mean for Ariana’s latest single.

The Spark: A TikTok That Went Viral

The article opens with a vivid description of the clip that made the rounds: a high‑energy mash‑up of Ariana’s brand‑new track, “Wicked,” set to a backdrop of glittering stage lights and a surprisingly tight dance routine. The clip was originally uploaded by Tracy Gilchrist, a TikTok dance artist who’s been gathering a modest following for her signature high‑tempo choreography. The footage features Gilchrist performing a series of sharp, syncopated moves that match the beat of the song, intercut with quick flashes of an unseen performer—later revealed to be Frankie Grande.

Within minutes of its release, the video trended on the platform’s “For You” feed, amassing hundreds of thousands of views and sparking a flurry of user‑generated content. Fans began to repost the clip, remix it, and replicate the choreography on their own accounts, all while tagging #WickedChallenge. The viral nature of the video is emphasized by the article’s own data‑driven segment, citing that the clip had already crossed the 5‑million‑view mark by the time the story was published.

Frankie Grande: The Bro’s “It’s Not You, It’s Me” Moment

While the video began as a TikTok showcase, the involvement of Frankie Grande—the well‑known “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant, actor, and Ariana’s older brother—added an extra layer of intrigue. The article provides a back‑story: Frankie had initially created a short behind‑the‑scenes video for his own Instagram feed, featuring himself rehearsing the dance routine in his own home studio. The clip was meant as a personal experiment but ended up serving as the “hook” for the viral spread when Gilchrist used it as a template for her own dance.

Frankie’s own response to the sudden buzz is documented through a screenshot of his Instagram story, where he jokes, “I’ve always wanted to be a TikTok star, but my sister’s on a different level.” He also acknowledges the creative collaboration, saying, “It was a blast to work with an amazing dancer like Tracy. We’re happy to see it resonating with people.”

Ariana Grande’s Reactions and the Song’s Rise

The centerpiece of the story is Ariana Grande herself, whose own commentary is highlighted in a short interview clip included in the article. Ariana, who has long been known for her engagement with fans on social media, took to Twitter (with a link to her official profile) to thank everyone who has participated in the #WickedChallenge. She posted, “Your creativity is fire. Keep it coming! 🔥🔥🔥 #WickedChallenge,” and added a short clip of her humming the chorus of “Wicked” while wearing a glittering stage costume.

The article then ties the viral trend back to the single’s performance: “‘Wicked’ entered the Billboard Hot 100 at #48, climbing to #35 the following week—at a rate that the label attributes in part to the viral dance challenge.” Ariana’s team reportedly noted the spike in streams and downloads on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube, with a link to the official “Wicked” music video on the article’s website.

Tracy Gilchrist: The Unsung Choreographer

At the heart of the article is an exploration of Tracy Gilchrist—the creative force who sparked the whole phenomenon. While the article describes her as a “TikTok sensation,” it also notes that Gilchrist has been working as a freelance choreographer for a handful of indie music videos and local theatre productions. A link to her portfolio on a dance‑focused site is included, showcasing her previous collaborations.

Gilchrist’s commentary is brief but impactful: “I was just trying to give Ariana’s new song a visual.” She adds that she was thrilled when the clip blew up and is now preparing to meet with Frankie for a possible feature in a future music video. This connection signals a potential cross‑genre collaboration, the article hints.

Why It Matters

The Hollywood Reporter piece rounds off by putting the whole episode into context. The article notes that viral dance challenges have become a staple of modern pop culture, citing recent examples such as the “Renegade” and “Savage” dances. It stresses how Ariana’s willingness to engage with the community—something she has done for years—continues to reinforce her brand as a fan‑centric artist. The story also touches on the broader industry implications: “For artists, TikTok remains a powerful launchpad for new songs and has become a primary channel for fans to interact with content.”

The article also acknowledges the financial side. It cites a report from a music‑analytics firm indicating that the “Wicked” track saw a 23% uptick in streaming revenue following the viral challenge, a figure that underscores the direct link between social‑media engagement and monetary success.

Bottom Line

In short, the Hollywood Reporter’s coverage captures a moment where an unexpected dance routine, performed by a rising TikTok creator and her brother, ignited a viral craze that boosted a pop superstar’s single, elevated an emerging choreographer’s profile, and reminded fans and industry insiders alike that the line between “just a fun clip” and “big‑business opportunity” can be incredibly thin. The story is a case study in how, in the digital age, a single, well‑timed performance can ripple across platforms, chart rankings, and even the future direction of a pop star’s creative output.