Frankie Grande Reveals “Wild” ‘Survivor’ Audition Tape Recorded Before Joining ‘Big Brother’

Frankie Grande has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, and his recently unearthed Survivor audition tape proves that his signature theatricality has been a lifelong trait.

On Wednesday (March 4), the multi-talented entertainer revealed he had “dug into the archives” to share a vintage self-produced audition video in celebration of the iconic reality series reaching its 50th season. With a self-deprecating wit, Grande noted the footage was captured “three noses ago”—a playful nod to his cosmetic history—before remarking that while he never made it to the island, he eventually secured a memorable residency in the Big Brother house instead.

The audition opens with a shirtless Frankie delivering a dramatic “Kubrick stare” directly into the lens, followed by a high-energy dance routine set against the Los Angeles skyline. To demonstrate his physical readiness for the grueling competition, the clip showcases a montage of his skills, including breakdancing, diving, gymnastics, and even tree-climbing.

“I’m fully prepared for this because I was in the Broadway production of Mamma Mia!,” he explains in the video, confidently making a case for himself as the show’s next champion. “Understandably, there are countless parallels between the demands of Broadway and the challenges of Survivor.”

While the Survivor dream didn’t materialize, Grande’s career has flourished in the years (and rhinoplasties) since the tape was filmed. As he noted, he became a fan favorite on Big Brother 16 in 2014. More recently, he has focused on his musical aspirations, releasing his album Hotel Rock Bottom in June 2025, which featured a high-profile remix of the title track alongside his sister, Ariana Grande.

“This record is deeply personal to me,” he shared when the collaboration debuted. “Having Ariana join me on it adds a layer of meaning that is truly special.”

Watch Frankie Grande’s energetic Survivor audition below.

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