Ariana Grande says ex late Mac Miller shaped the artist she became

Ariana Grande has opened up in rare detail about the lasting impact her late former partner Mac Miller had on her music, revealing how he helped guide her toward the sound and identity that defined her career.

The singer and actress reflected on her relationship with the Pittsburgh rapper, who died in 2018 at the age of 26 from an accidental drug overdose involving fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol at his home in Studio City. His death came just four months after the pair ended their two-year romantic relationship, though they had known each other for years before that.

At the time they first grew close, Grande, born Ariana Butera, was still widely associated with her Nickelodeon fame, starring in Victorious and Sam & Cat with bright red hair and a carefully constructed television persona. Privately, however, she was eager to evolve into a serious pop artist.

During an appearance on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, Grande revealed for the first time how pivotal Miller was in that transformation. She said: "I've never talked about this, but actually Malcolm, who you might know as Mac, encouraged me to be myself."

She went on to explain how his support gave her permission to step away from her child-star image and embrace a more authentic version of herself. "And that it was okay to shed that character and embrace my brown hair and make R&B-influenced pop music and separate and do the brave thing. I've never said that, but it was a great influence. I'm very thankful for that."

Grande also credited Miller with helping her discover her musical identity early on in her recording career. She famously invited him to feature on her debut single The Way in 2013, a decision she said was deeply personal. She enlisted him not just for artistic reasons, but because she felt she owed him for helping her find her voice and direction as a musician.

Miller, born Malcolm McCormick, later became the center of a criminal case following his death, with three former drug dealers, Ryan Reavis, Stephen Walter and Cameron Pettit, receiving prison sentences in connection with the substances that led to the tragedy.

The interview was released on Tuesday, though it was recorded on December 5 at Chapman University’s Folino Theater in front of an audience of 500 film students.

Grande has since moved on personally and is now in a relationship with her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater. Professionally, she continues to expand her acting career. She and fellow cast member Jonathan Bailey have confirmed plans to reunite on stage in a West End revival of Sunday In The Park With George, scheduled to open in the summer of 2027 at London’s Barbican Centre.

Musically, Grande and her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo are set to compete for best pop duo or group performance at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, airing February 1 on CBS and Paramount+.

For her portrayal of Galinda "Glinda" Upland, Grande has also earned a nomination for outstanding performance by a female actor in a supporting role at the newly renamed 32nd Actor Awards, which will stream on Netflix on March 1.

She faces stiff competition in the category from Odessa A’zion, Amy Madigan, Teyana Taylor and Wunmi Mosaku. Madigan previously edged Grande out at the Critics Choice Awards, while Taylor claimed the Golden Globe.

Reflecting on the emotional weight of her role, Grande told THR: "When I'm talking about her journey, I have to really specify, because there have been certain moments in our lives that are really adjacent."

She added: "I've experienced a lot of grief. I've experienced a lot of loss. And I also know what it feels like to perform through it, as a coping mechanism. I think that's kind of what she's doing a lot in this second movie especially."

Grande is also preparing to return to the road. She is set to launch her 41-date The Eternal Sunshine Tour on June 6 at Oakland Arena in California. The tour will mark her fourth arena run and her first major tour in seven years, signaling yet another chapter in a career shaped by loss, growth and lasting influence.