Ariana Grande recently joined host Sean Evans for an engaging interview on the widely-viewed “Hot Ones” YouTube channel. During the season 24 finale, the “Yes, And?” hitmaker, 31, delved into the disheartening and “dehumanizing” ordeal of having her songs leaked and stolen on social media.
As she prepares to take on the role of Glinda in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked, Grande shared insights about her musical journey, both past and present, all while savoring a selection of fiery, vegan chicken wings.
Regarding music leaks, the Grammy winner told host Evans, 38: “It’s really hard for me, because it’s really disheartening, and it’s disappointing, and it sucks. And I am constantly trying to get to the bottom of how people get stuff, whether it’s videos or pictures or audio, songs, and then also like, commented on, criticized, blah blah blah.”
Ariana Grande Gets Candid About Unauthorized Leaks Of Her Music From The Past And Present On 'Hot Ones'
The "We Can't Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)" singer went on: "So it’s conflicting because that is very frustrating and feels very dehumanizing, and then the other side is like… I’m so grateful to be an artist people care about, and my fans want more of me, so they’re going to these extremes to steal and break in. It’s so lovely to be loved. But yeah, I sit somewhere in between being grateful to be here at all and being like, ‘But really? Come on.’ So that’s how I feel."
When asked by Evans whether she ever grows weary of performing her classic hits, Grande responded: "That’s a natural thing that all artists can relate to." She continued: "There was a time when it was hard for me to feel that same gratitude that I do now for certain songs and for the music…becoming a pop star is insane at 19 or 20, and I think that experience was sort of married to some of the songs a little bit."
The Victorious alum added: "Or some of the songs that are more emotional, the experience that inspired them can be married to the music." The R.E.M. Beauty mogul also noted: "But with time and therapy, we sort of are able to re-embrace, so I feel just really proud and grateful and happy when I hear them, whereas I used to maybe hear it and cry."
Throughout her career, Grande has unveiled seven studio albums, the latest being Eternal Sunshine, which debuted on March 8, 2024, marking her first new release in over three years. This album has already produced chart-topping hits such as "Yes, And?," "We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)," and "The Boy Is Mine."
Inspired by the acclaimed 2004 film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Grande shared on Instagram that she intended the album to merge raw emotion with captivating entertainment, drawing from her personal experiences.
Critics lauded Eternal Sunshine for its delicate vocals, emotive instrumentals, and thematic depth, though some critiqued its songwriting finesse. Prior to this, her 2020 album Positions saw significant success.
The title track debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Grande the first artist to achieve five number-one debuts on the chart. That year, "Stuck with U" and "Rain on Me" also reached the top spot, contributing to her remarkable achievement. Notably, all 14 tracks from "Positions" simultaneously charted on the Hot 100.
The live-action adaptation of Wicked is set to premiere in U.S. theaters on November 22, 2024, followed by its sequel, Wicked: Part Two, on November 26, 2025.
Grande will portray Glinda, while Cynthia Erivo will take on the role of Elphaba. The star-studded cast also includes Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, the Headmistress of Shiz University, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Jonathan Bailey will play Fiyero Tigelaar, a Winkie prince who encounters Elphaba and Glinda at school, and Ethan Slater, Grande's real-life boyfriend, will appear as Boq, a Munchkin smitten with Glinda. (We're marking our calendars now!)
