Ariana Grande opens up about a previously untold moment with Mac Miller

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Ariana Grande didn’t become a world-famous singer overnight. Early in her career, after her time on Nickelodeon, she struggled to figure out what kind of artist she wanted to be, separate from her TV roles. A key person who helped her through this was Mac Miller, the late rapper and producer, who was both a musical partner and a close friend.

Fans are remembering Mac Miller today not only for his music, but also for the positive impact he had on people’s lives. Though he would have been 36 years old this year, his influence is still strongly felt in popular culture. Many people, including Ariana Grande, continue to find inspiration in his kindness and the advice he offered, even years after his death.

I was listening to Ariana Grande on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, and she talked about how Mac Miller really pushed her to be braver with her music. She said she was so unsure of how to move past being known as just the girl from Nickelodeon and really find her own voice as an artist. It was amazing to hear how his advice didn’t just influence her first album, but totally shaped how she approaches music and expressing herself even now.

Ariana Grande credits Mac Miller for musical guidance

Ariana Grande explained that it took a while to decide what her first album should sound like after finishing the show Victorious. She said she initially felt influenced by Nickelodeon when thinking about the project’s direction.

Mac Miller really inspired her to be true to herself and experiment with her music. She shared that he encouraged her to drop the persona she’d created and embrace her natural self – including her brown hair – and to explore making pop music with R&B influences, even if it meant going her own way and being courageous.

Miller played a key role in helping Ariana Grande create her first album, Yours Truly, released in 2013. The album featured their initial collaboration, the song “The Way,” which sparked both a working relationship and a romance between them.

Grande explained that she featured Miller on the song as a thank you for his mentorship. She was excited to collaborate with him because he not only fit the track perfectly, but she also credited him with helping her develop her unique musical style.

Remembering Mac Miller’s impact

Ariana Grande and Mac Miller began dating in September 2016 but ended their relationship in May 2018. Shortly after their split, Miller tragically passed away from an accidental overdose in September 2018. His death deeply affected Grande and had a profound impact on the music world.

Even now, I still see how much Mac Miller meant to Ariana. He really pushed her to be herself, to take risks with her music, and not just be the person everyone expected her to be from her TV days. It’s amazing to see how artists like them can inspire each other so deeply, especially in the pop, rap, and R&B scenes. It wasn’t always loud or flashy, but his impact was huge.

Ariana Grande’s openness about her relationships reveals how deeply personal connections can influence an artist’s career, offering insights that go beyond just success and accolades. Mac Miller’s impact continues to be felt, not only through his own music, but also through the guidance he provided to others, playing a role in Ariana Grande’s rise to international stardom.

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2026-01-23 16:00