Kelly Ripa Is Unrecognizable as Ariana Grande’s Doppelgänger in Wicked Transformation
Live With Kelly and Mark cohost Kelly Ripa truly embodied Ariana Grande in character for Wicked for an upcoming Oscar-themed episode of her and Mark Consuelos’ morning show.
Kelly Ripa is looking quite popular.
The Live With Kelly and Mark cohost appeared totally unrecognizable after fully transforming into Wicked star Ariana Grande for an Oscars-themed episode of her morning show.
In a picture posted to Instagram Feb. 25, Kelly looked just like Ariana in character as Glinda, sporting the outfit the Good Witch wears when appearing in the film for the first time: a blush pink dress, gray hat and pink purse. She also pursed her lips and smiled to appear exactly like the “Positions” singer, with help from celebrity makeup artist Kristofer Buckle—whose clients also include Blake Lively, Mariah Carey and Lindsay Lohan.
And it was quite the undertaking. Kelly—who shares kids Michael Consuelos, 27, Lola Consuelos, 23, and Joaquin Consuelos, 22, with husband Mark Consuelos—shared a behind-the-scenes video that featured a timelapse of her getting into character.
“Follow me beyond Oz into the land of make believe,” the All My Children alum captioned the Feb. 25 Instagram post shouting out Kristofer and hairstylist Ryan Trygstad. “Let’s hear it for the actual wizards.”
And while the 54-year-old disappeared into Ariana’s Oscar-nominated role, it’s certainly not the first time she has committed to a costume.
In October 2024, Kelly and Mark channeled Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce for their annual Halloween episode, transforming into the couple’s iconic U.S. Open outfits from September 2024. For the look, Kelly sported a red-and-white plaid minidress and retro black sunglasses, while Mark donned the viral white jacket, Gucci bucket hat and mustache Travis wore to the tennis outing.
Kristofer Buckle/InstagramAnd their love for dressing up didn’t end with the “Lavender Haze” singer and her NFL star boyfriend. Kelly and Mark—who have been open about their NSFW confessions in the past—also channeled Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars for Halloween 2024, rocking the “Die With A Smile” singers’ blue-and-red western gear and over-the-top wigs from the song’s music video.
Read on to see more jaw-dropping transformations from Kelly over the years, including with former cohost Ryan Seacrest.
abcHouse of the Dragon
Kelly and Ryan play Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Daemon Targaryen respectively in Live With Kelly and Ryan‘s 2022 Halloween special.
Lorenzo Bevilaqua/ABC EntertainmentThe Queen’s Gambit
Checkmate! Kelly and Ryan celebrated Halloween 2021 by tapping into one of the year’s most popular shows: The Queen’s Gambit.
Lorenzo Bevilaqua/ABC EntertainmentStar Trek
The Live crew were ready to board the USS Enterprise in these Star Trek looks.
Lorenzo Bevilaqua/ABC EntertainmentBlue Origin Crew
Forget Blue Origin. Kelly and Ryan joined Boo Origin—a fun spoof on Jeff Bezos’ space crew—for Halloween.
Lorenzo Bevilaqua/ABC EntertainmentTed Lasso & Bridgerton
The morning show duo showed some love to the most beloved TV shows of 2021.
Lorenzo Bevilaqua/ABC EntertainmentThe Jetsons
Kelly and Ryan tap into The Jetsons for one of their space-themed costumes.
Lorenzo Bevilaqua/ABC EntertainmentNASA Astronauts
That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for Kelly and Ryan—who donned NASA space suits with guest Nick Lachey for the 2021 Halloween special.
ABCTiger King
As one of the must-do costume pairings of the year, Kelly and Ryan kicked off their 2020 show as feline lovers and fierce foes Carole Baskin and Joe Exotic.
ABCSchitt’s Creek
These picture-perfect getups—in homage to the hit comedy series, of course—will have you shouting David! in the best way.
ABCSurvivor…at Home
With families tackling some serious challenges all together in lockdown, the Live team gave a new meaning to what it means to be a Survivor—indoors.
ABCThe Mandalorian
It looks like Kelly and Ryan might have had to go to a galaxy far, far away for these getups.
ABCThe NBA & US Open Bubbles
Kelly and Ryan put quite the literal spin on the sports “bubbles” that emerged this year to keep sports going amid coronavirus.
ABCI Dream of Jeannie
The hosts kicked off their 2018 Halloween show dressed as genies from the 1960s TV series, I Dream of Jeannie.
David M. Russell/Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV DistributionI Love Lucy
It’s a family affair! Mark Consuelos joined in on the costume fun for an I Love Lucy-ish reboot as Ricky Ricardo, alongside Kelly as Lucy and Ryan as their son Little Ricky.
ABCCharlie’s Angels & CHiPs
The talk show stars wrapped up Live’s Best Halloween Show Ever: The ReBOOOOt dressed as crime-fighting TV characters Jon Baker and Jill Munroe.
David M. Russell | Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV DistributionLaverne & Shirley
Ryan and Kelly got all gussied up to reenact the classic ’80s show, Laverne & Shirley.
David M. Russell | Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV DistributionSaved by the Bell
In this blast to the past, Kelly and Ryan went back to high school as Kelly Kapowski and Zack Morris.
David M. Russell, Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV DistributionBody Swap
The duo swapped places one Halloween by choosing to dress as their counter parts. Not too shabby!
David M. Russell, Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV DistributionGuardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy‘s Gamora and Peter Quill took a break from saving the galaxy to make an appearance at the Halloween special.
David M. Russell, Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV DistributionWonder People
The team at Live With Kelly and Ryan donned their armor from the Amazon, the fictional country, not the online retailer.
Lou Rocco, Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV DistributionStranger Things
Eleven and Mike escaped from the upside down to visit for the 2017 Halloween special.
David M. Russell, Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV DistributionKim Kardashian & Kylie Jenner
Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, or should we say Kelly and Ryan, gear up to help the Property Brothers with some help with a reno.
Pawel Kaminski, Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV DistributionGame of Thrones
Kelly and Ryan gave the camera their best look of power and grit as they pose as Daenerys Targaryen and Jaime Lannister from Game of Thrones.
David M. Russell | Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV DistributionFriends
Kelly and Ryan put a modern twist on the ’90s classic when they channel Rachel and Chandler from the iconic opening sequence.
Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV DistributionCher
Kelly who? The talk show host disguised her signature platinum locks under a voluminous black wig when she dressed up as the pop legend for the 2010 VMAs. Ripa loved the look so much that seven years later she shared a throwback photo of the over-the-top look, writing, “If I could turn back time I’d be Cher every damn day.”
David M. Russell, Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV DistributionKim Kardashian
Now that’s a whole new side to Kelly! She channeled her inner Kim K. when replicating the reality star’s iconic PAPER Magazine cover on Live! with Kelly and Michael‘s Halloween episode in 2015.
David M. Russell, Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV DistributionPOTUS and FLOTUS
Feeling presidential? In 2016, Kelly dressed up as both Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump for a game of “First Family Feud” during the Live! With Kelly Halloween show.
Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV DistributionPamela Anderson
Look at the size of that hat! Ripa dressed up as the famously voluptuous model on Live! With Regis and Kelly‘s Halloween episode in 2003.
Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV DistributionSarah Palin
Lady in red! In 2008, Kelly took on the role of then-Republican Vice President nominee on Live! With Regis and Kelly.
David Steele, Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV DistributionToddlers and Tiaras
Best in show! In 2011, Kelly got all dolled up when she transformed into one of the pageant girls from Toddlers & Tiaras.
