WATCH: Ariana Grande and Andy Lassner Brave the American Horror Story Maze — And Panic Ensues
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights has delivered no shortage of celebrity screams over the years — and this time, Ariana Grande joined “haunted house veteran” Andy Lassner for another nerve-shredding sprint into darkness.
What unfolded was less “cool pop star on camera” and more genuine, vulnerable panic — and it was impossible not to watch.
A confident start… that lasted about 12 seconds
Outside the entrance, Lassner set the tone with a mock-dramatic warning as cameras rolled. Grande — attempting full composure — waved off his nerves and insisted it was “just noise.”
Seconds later, the composure cracked.
Within the first scare, Grande recoiled so sharply she begged for the door to close behind them — “Oh, it’s bad. It’s bad. It’s just no. Close it!” — dissolving into exactly the kind of fear that makes these walkthroughs internet gold.
The scares escalated — and so did the chaos
The pair navigated grim, TV-inspired sets:
- abandoned hospital beds
- dark hallways
- nightmare-style bathrooms
At one point, Grande buckled mid-walk — describing it as a “nightmare” — while Lassner tried to coach her forward, warning that getting separated would only make things worse.
Grande refused to lead. Lassner refused to lead. So they alternated… badly.
“Are you good?! I’m dead. Are you dead?!” Grande yelled at one peak moment, barely holding it together.
Fear gave way to laughter — eventually
After dodging the final jump scare, Grande tried to breathe again — and even joked that she might have left her heart somewhere inside.
“It wasn’t bad, but I didn’t love it,” she deadpanned.
For Lassner — who has been the reluctant face of Halloween haunted house segments for years — this was familiar territory. But pairing him with a bona fide arena vocalist added another layer: watching a global star become just another terrified visitor in the dark.
A perfect Halloween episode moment
Grande has long been open about her affection for horror storytelling — but even real fans can crumble under the flickering lights of a well-designed maze.
The takeaway?
Screaming your way through a haunted maze is universal — and fame doesn’t protect you from a sudden jump scare lurking behind a curtain.
For viewers, the magic wasn’t the monsters — it was the relatable panic.
