Pop sensation Ariana Grande recently gave fans a glimpse into her complex relationship with her dedicated fanbase. During a lie detector test with “Wicked” co-star Cynthia Erivo for Vanity Fair, the 31-year-old singer confessed to feeling a mix of love and hurt from her millions of followers.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
A Love-Hate Relationship With the Spotlight
“I love them always, but I think sometimes they can hurt my feelings,” Grande admitted in the video released on September 30th. While acknowledging the unwavering support and love she receives, Grande candidly confessed, “Sometimes I don’t like them, but I love them always.”
This raw honesty highlights the unique dynamic celebrities navigate in the age of social media. The “7 Rings” singer described the relationship as “weirdly parasocial,” a sentiment echoed by many public figures grappling with the blurred lines between personal connection and public persona.
From Fans to Friends: Bridging the Gap
Despite the challenges, Grande shared heartwarming anecdotes that underscore the genuine connections she’s forged with some fans. She revealed maintaining long-lasting friendships with individuals who initially connected with her as fans. The pop star even admitted to reaching out to fans via direct messages simply to chat, defying the perceived distance between artist and admirer.
“Arianators”: A Fanbase Name Embraced?
The interview took a lighthearted turn when discussing the moniker her fanbase, the “Arianators,” adopted. With a laugh, she confessed, “I’ve accepted it, but would I pick that? Of course not. That would be insane.” This playful response reveals Grande’s down-to-earth personality and willingness to embrace the endearing quirks that come with a devoted fanbase.
Addressing Plastic Surgery Rumors: Setting the Record Straight
Grande used the lie detector test as a platform to dispel persistent rumors surrounding her appearance. Responding to prompts from Erivo, Grande denied undergoing procedures like rhinoplasty, facelifts, and breast augmentation, with the lie detector verifying her claims.
“This is the best day of my life,” she joked, directly addressing the speculation. “Take that, you YouTube people.”
Embracing Individuality and Beauty Standards
While debunking rumors, Grande emphasized her support for individual choice and body autonomy. “I’ve had fillers in various places, and botox, but I stopped like four years ago,” she shared. “That is the extent. But also, like, [I’m] in full support of all people who do these things. Work. Whatever makes women, men, non-gender-conforming people feel beautiful should be allowed. Why do we care?”
This statement reflects Grande’s evolving perspective on beauty standards and her commitment to fostering a culture of acceptance and self-love.
A New Chapter: Balancing Stardom and Authenticity
As Ariana Grande continues to navigate the complexities of fame, her willingness to address the challenging aspects of her relationship with fans provides a refreshing dose of honesty. Her openness about the parasocial dynamic and the emotional toll of scrutiny shines a light on the often-overlooked human experience behind the dazzling facade of stardom. By using her platform to advocate for self-acceptance and embrace vulnerability, Grande inspires a new generation to celebrate authenticity and challenge unrealistic beauty standards.
