Ryan Murphy Confirms Ariana Grande's 'Scream Queens' Cameo Was Cut from AHS 13 Due to Touring

Key points

• Ryan Murphy disclosed to The Hollywood Reporter that a 'Scream Queens' crossover was planned for 'American Horror Story' Season 13.
• Ariana Grande was set to return as Chanel #2, a character killed off in the first season of the 2015 Fox series.
• The appearance was cancelled because Grande was on her 'Eternal Sunshine' tour during the required shooting weekend.
• Murphy stated that Grande expressed a desire to participate but could not adjust her touring schedule.
• Murphy indicated he is open to reviving 'Scream Queens' in the future, noting that cast members including Emma Roberts and Billie Lourd are interested.
• 'American Horror Story' Season 13 premiered on September 24, 2026, featuring an all-star cast including Jessica Lange and Sarah Paulson.

Background

Ariana Grande previously starred in 'Scream Queens' alongside Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, and Lea Michele. The series was cancelled after two seasons. In August 2026, Murphy had already noted that Grande would not appear in 'American Horror Story' Season 13 due to scheduling conflicts with her tour and album release. The current season is described as an 'all-star' installment that brings back many previous characters, but the 'Scream Queens' universe did not make the cut.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter, Bloody Disgusting, and PinkNews all report the same core facts: Murphy's confirmation of the planned crossover and the tour-related cancellation. The Hollywood Reporter provides the most detailed quotes from Murphy regarding his ongoing interest in a 'Scream Queens' revival and the specific scheduling conflict. Bloody Disgusting emphasizes the 'all-star' nature of the current 'AHS' season and the global streaming availability. PinkNews highlights the broader context of Grande's recent public life, including her relationship with Ricky Alvarez, while focusing on the scheduling conflict. All outlets agree that the 'Scream Queens' crossover was a missed opportunity for this specific season but remains a possibility for the future.

Why it matters

The revelation highlights the logistical challenges of integrating major music stars into television productions and the enduring fan interest in 'Scream Queens'. It also underscores the flexibility of 'American Horror Story' in its casting and the potential for future crossovers between Murphy's properties.

What to watch

Fans will watch 'American Horror Story' Season 13 to see if any 'Scream Queens' references are made. Murphy may revisit the idea of a 'Scream Queens' revival or crossover in future seasons, potentially involving the original cast members who have expressed interest.