Ariana Grande has revealed that the late rapper Mac Miller played a pivotal role in her transition from her Nickelodeon persona to her current identity, encouraging her to embrace her natural brown hair and R&B-influenced sound. This revelation came during a recent episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, where she shared personal insights for the first time.
Grande, now 32, opened up about her early career struggles, balancing her role as Cat Valentine on ‘Victorious’ with her budding music career. She explained that during this period, she felt pressured to maintain the red hair associated with her character, even as she pursued her passion for music on weekends.
In the podcast, recorded in December at Chapman University, Grande credited Miller with giving her the confidence to ‘shed that character.’ She recalled how he reassured her that it was acceptable to embrace her brunette roots and develop a sound that reflected her true artistic inclinations, leading to the creation of her debut album ‘Yours Truly.’
The singer and Miller first collaborated on her 2013 hit ‘The Way,’ which marked her breakthrough into the music industry. Although they didn’t publicly date until 2016, Grande felt his influence from the start, noting that his support was instrumental in shaping her signature style and musical direction.
Grande described the logistical challenges of her dual career, including frequently toning her hair brown for performances and restoring the red for filming, a process she said ‘completely destroyed’ her hair. This eventually led to her adoption of the iconic ponytail, which she has maintained as a practical solution.
Reflecting on her relationship with Miller, which lasted from 2016 to 2018 and ended amicably before his tragic death from an accidental overdose, Grande expressed gratitude for his mentorship. His encouragement helped her navigate the transition from child star to independent artist, fostering a sense of authenticity in her work.
Recently, Grande has returned to her natural hair color after three years as a blonde for her role as Glinda in the ‘Wicked’ films, a change she made in October 2025. This return to brunette aligns with her ongoing evolution and the themes of self-acceptance she discussed in the podcast.
The candid discussion highlights Grande’s journey of self-discovery and the lasting impact of Miller’s friendship. As she continues to balance acting and music, with upcoming projects and potential awards recognition, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of artistic integrity and personal growth in the entertainment industry.
