Ariana Grande Shares How Mac Miller Told Her to “Embrace” Brown Hair

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Ariana Grande’s memories of Mac Miller are tattooed on her heart.

The actress from Wicked shared that the late rapper supported her when she finished working on the Nickelodeon show Sam & Cat and started recording her first album, Yours Truly, in 2013.

Ariana Grande recently revealed on the Awards Chatter podcast that a friend, Malcolm – known as Mac – played a big role in helping her be true to herself. She said he gave her the confidence to move away from the image people expected and embrace her natural brown hair, as well as explore R&B influences in her pop music. She described it as a courageous step she took to be authentic.

Thinking more about what Mac said, Ariana Grande clarified, “I didn’t actually say that, but he definitely had a big impact on me, and I’m really thankful for it.”

Ariana’s relationship with Mac Miller, who she dated from 2016 to 2018, inspired her to include him on her first hit song, “The Way.”

I really wanted him involved for a lot of reasons,” the 32-year-old explained. “He was a perfect fit for the song, but also, I credit him with helping me discover my own musical style.

Ariana Grande recently spoke about Mac Miller, the rapper who tragically passed away from a drug overdose in 2018 at just 26 years old. It’s been seven years since his death, and Ariana has rarely discussed her feelings of loss, making these comments particularly noteworthy.

Honestly, being with him took over everything, as I told Vogue a few years ago. It wasn’t a perfect relationship, not by a long shot, but he truly was the most amazing person. It broke my heart to see him struggle with his inner demons – he didn’t deserve that pain. For so long, I felt like I was holding everything together for both of us, but eventually, I started to lose my grip. I just couldn’t keep us connected anymore, and things started falling apart.

Ariana Grande honored Mac Miller, born Malcolm McCormick, in 2023 when she celebrated the 10th anniversary of her album Yours Truly. She did this by adding “Feat. Mac Miller” to the end of a remastered version of his song, “The Way,” which appeared on screen as the video faded to black.

For more about Ariana, keep reading… 

I’ll never forget when Ariana Grande showed up to the 2010 MTV Movie Awards! She wore this gorgeous salmon pink dress that really made her red hair stand out – she completely dazzled everyone.

At the 2011 Grammy Awards, the actress known for Sam & Cat looked lovely in a short, white dress. She completed her outfit with shiny gold heels and delicate jewelry.

Ariana Grande turned heads at the 2013 American Music Awards in a stunning, bright red Dolce & Gabbana dress, reminiscent of a glamorous, classic movie star.

At the 2013 Style Awards, the actress from Scream Queens looked effortlessly chic in a vintage-inspired dress designed by Kenley Collins.

Ariana Grande turned heads at the 2014 Kids’ Choice Awards. She wore a bright orange mini-dress that matched the carpet, completing the look with white shoes and a playful clutch.

At the 2014 American Music Awards, Ariana Grande looked like a classic Hollywood star. She wore a long, black lace dress designed by MT Costello.

At the 2015 Grammy Awards, Ariana Grande dazzled in a white gown with silver mesh, appearing as radiant as the red carpet lights.

Ariana Grande turned heads at the 2015 American Music Awards in a stunning, floral-beaded mini-dress by Giambattista Valli. The eye-catching dress featured a peplum waist.

In 2015, Ariana Grande confidently rocked an all-white outfit at KISS FM. It was a daring look, as most people worry about getting white clothes dirty, but she wasn’t afraid to take the chance!

Instead of a traditional dress at the 2016 American Music Awards, the singer of “Problem” chose a stylish look with a fitted corset top and white pants.

Oh my gosh, you guys, Ariana looked AMAZING at the Hairspray Live! press event! Seriously, her outfit was everything. She was totally rocking these super cute, oversized overalls with just a bralette underneath, and the cutest, sparkliest choker! I’m still obsessed, honestly. She just nailed it.

Ariana Grande turned heads at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. She wore a vibrant and playfully designed Atelier Versace dress featuring eye-catching cut-outs.

At the 2018 Met Gala, Ariana Grande’s dress, inspired by the Sistine Chapel, turned heads. Designer Megan McCluskey created the gown to fit the gala’s theme: “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.”

At the 2018 iHeartRadio Wango Tango, Ariana looked incredibly sweet in a soft pink outfit. Her look channeled ’90s style with platinum sneakers, coordinating socks, and a baggy sweater that said “girls girls girls.”

Okay, seriously, did you SEE Ariana in that Christian Siriano dress?! She looked like actual royalty, so elegant! And can we talk about her calling it the ‘loofah of the year’? Iconic. Of COURSE she completed the look with those amazing thigh-high boots – she always does, and it’s perfection. I’m obsessed, honestly.

The pop star made a big impression at the 2020 Grammys with two different outfits, but everyone was especially captivated by her striking platinum blonde ponytail.

In 2020, Ariana Grande posted a selfie showing off her natural curly hair, seemingly signaling a change from her trademark high ponytail, and playfully captioned it ‘thank u, next’.

The “Positions” singer channeled Jennifer Garner‘s 13 Going on 30 character in 2021.

The Wicked actress debuted a dramatic blonde look in October 2022.

 

Ariana channeled Glinda the Good Witch in a pink Giambattista Valli gown at the 2024 Oscars.

Ariana Grande attended the 2024 Met Gala, which was themed “Garden of Time” and celebrated the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibition, wearing a dreamy white gown by Loewe. The dress included a bodice made of mother of pearl, a reference to her birthstone, and a flowing chiffon skirt.

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2026-01-14 16:48