Ariana Grande just shared something she’s never talked about before.
The Grammy winner opened up about how Mac Miller encouraged her to embrace her natural look during the “Yours Truly” era. Speaking on The Hollywood Reporter Awards Podcast, Grande revealed Miller’s influence on her transition from Nickelodeon star to pop artist.
“He encouraged me to be myself,” Grande said of her late ex-boyfriend. “It’s okay to step away from that persona and embrace my brown hair and make R&B-influenced pop music and do brave things.”
The 32-year-old singer added a key detail. “I never said it, but it was huge.” Ariana Grande first collaborated with Miller in 2013 on her hit single “The Way.” The song marked a breakout moment for both artists and sparked rumors about their relationship.
They didn’t go public as a couple until September 2016, three years after their musical partnership began.
Grande’s signature red hair became a part of her character while playing Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s Victorious. She explained the exhausting process of switching between television roles and a music career.
Miller’s encouragement helped her permanently transition to her natural brunette complexion. The rapper transcends her TV persona and pushes her to be real.
Their relationship lasted for nearly two years before splitting amicably in May 2018. Days after the breakup, Miller was arrested for drunken driving and a hit-and-run after crashing his Mercedes G-Wagon.
The couple’s split became public knowledge when Grande released an emotional statement confirming the end of their relationship. She stressed that despite their separation, they remained friends.
Miller died of an accidental overdose on September 7, 2018, at the age of 26. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office determined he died from a lethal mixture of fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol.
Three men were eventually arrested and charged in connection with Miller’s death.
Ryan Michael Reavis was sentenced in April 2022 to 10 years and 11 months in prison for distributing fentanyl. Stephen Andrew Walter was sentenced in May 2022 to 17 years and six months in prison for supplying counterfeit medicines.
Cameron James Pettit, who allegedly sold drugs directly to Miller, served his sentence and was released from federal custody in November 2024 without pleading guilty to the charges.
