In the world of entertainment, few stars rise as rapidly and prominently as Ariana Grande has. From her days as a beloved teenage redhead on Nickelodeon’s Victorious to becoming a global pop icon, Ariana’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. However, the price of stardom has weighed heavily on her, with fame bringing both adulation and scrutiny. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, the 31-year-old artist opened up about the complexities of her public persona and the toll that shifting public perceptions have taken on her mental well-being.
Ariana’s story is one that resonates with many who have risen to prominence in the entertainment industry—fame can be a double-edged sword. As she reflects on her career, it becomes evident that her transformation from a “funny redhead” on TV to a chart-topping pop sensation has come with a significant shift in how she is viewed by the public. What began as adoration and lighthearted acceptance quickly turned into harsh criticism, as she was labeled an “evil diva” by some corners of the media and public.
This article delves into Ariana Grande’s reflections on her journey, the challenges of navigating fame, the scrutiny faced by women in entertainment, and her thoughts on how the media and public have attempted to shape her narrative. Through it all, Ariana remains unapologetically proud of the person she is becoming.
From Teen Star to Global Icon
Ariana Grande’s career began at a young age, with her breakthrough role as Cat Valentine on Victorious cementing her place in the hearts of Nickelodeon viewers. With her vibrant red hair, bubbly personality, and comedic timing, she quickly became a fan favorite. Ariana described this time as a period when she was widely loved and embraced for her approachable and humorous persona. Her career as a singer took off soon after, with her debut album Yours Truly in 2013 catapulting her to mainstream success. Hits like “The Way” and “Problem” showcased her powerful vocal range and solidified her place as a pop sensation.
However, as her music career gained momentum, so did the public’s scrutiny of her. With every hit record, Ariana noticed a shift in how she was perceived. In her Vanity Fair interview, she recalls: “I was this approachable, funny redhead on Nickelodeon and everyone liked me. And then I had one too many hit records, and everyone decided that I was an evil diva.”
The transition from television star to music icon wasn’t just a change in career path—it was a transformation of how the public viewed her. While many celebrities experience this as they rise to prominence, Ariana’s experience seems to reflect a particularly sharp turn from beloved to scrutinized. Her success, in some ways, became a source of resentment for those who once saw her as the sweet, non-threatening TV star.
The ‘Evil Diva’ Allegations
Ariana’s description of being labeled an “evil diva” highlights a troubling aspect of the entertainment industry, particularly for women. As her career flourished, some corners of the media began to frame her ambition, confidence, and success in a negative light. Being a successful woman in the music industry, it seems, can often come with unwarranted criticism. In Ariana’s case, her growing influence and accomplishments led to accusations that she was difficult or demanding—accusations that often accompany powerful women in any field.
She expressed her frustration with this perception, saying, “Other terrible things happened, and all of a sudden I was this hero and this victim.” This highlights the media’s tendency to oscillate between extreme narratives—building up celebrities only to tear them down, and then attempting to frame them as victims when circumstances change.
The “evil diva” label reflects a broader issue of gender dynamics in the entertainment industry. Women who assert themselves or display confidence are frequently viewed as difficult, while their male counterparts are often praised for the same behavior. Ariana’s case is no different, as her rise to superstardom saw her being put under an intense and often unfair microscope.
Navigating Fame and Mental Health
Ariana’s reflections on how fame has impacted her mental health are particularly poignant. At the age of 19, when she first entered the spotlight, she began to feel the weight of media scrutiny. “Some corners of the media have been trying to destroy me since I was 19 years old,” she told Vanity Fair. For more than a decade, Ariana has had to endure the pressures of living life under the public eye, where every move she makes is subject to interpretation and judgment.
The mental toll of such constant scrutiny is something Ariana has spoken about openly in the past. In 2018, she took a break from social media following the death of her ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller, and her highly publicized breakup with Pete Davidson. These personal struggles, combined with the pressures of her career, led her to prioritize her mental health. In 2019, she canceled some tour dates, admitting that she was struggling to cope with anxiety and depression.
Despite these challenges, Ariana remains resilient. At 31, she’s proud of her journey and the growth she’s experienced, both personally and professionally. “I’m not a perfect person,” she said. “But I am definitely deeply good, and I’m proud of who I’m becoming.”
Gender Bias in the Entertainment Industry
Another theme that emerged from Ariana’s interview is the double standard that women face in the entertainment industry. As she delves deeper into her experiences, she touches on how men are often praised for the same behaviors or artistic choices that women are criticized for.
This topic came to the forefront when discussing her role in Wicked, the film adaptation of the beloved musical prequel to The Wizard of Oz. Ariana’s speaking voice, which changed during filming, became a topic of discussion. Some accused her of altering her voice, implying that it was an affectation rather than a professional choice. In response, she explained that the change was intentional, stemming from the demands of the role and the need to transform her vocal placement depending on how much singing she was doing.
“When it’s a male actor that does it, it’s acclaimed,” Ariana pointed out. “There are definitely jokes that are made as well, but it’s always after being led with praise: ‘Oh, wow, he was so lost in the role.’” This double standard reflects a wider issue in Hollywood, where women’s choices and actions are often hyper-analyzed and criticized, while men are given the benefit of the doubt.
Ariana’s Artistic Expression
Ariana’s role in Wicked is a significant chapter in her career. As someone who has consistently pushed herself artistically, she is particularly proud of the work she has put into this project. She has spoken at length about how much she gave to the role, both physically and emotionally, and how important it was for her to convey the character authentically.
“Part of why I did want to engage [on TikTok] is because I am really proud of my hard work,” she said. Her decision to defend herself on social media came from a place of pride in her craft. In an era where performers are often criticized for their choices, Ariana is unapologetic about the effort she has put into her work.
Conclusion
Ariana Grande’s journey through fame has been anything but straightforward. From her early days as a teen star to becoming one of the biggest pop icons of her generation, she has experienced both adoration and intense criticism. The label of “evil diva” is just one example of how the public and media often try to pigeonhole successful women, forcing them into narratives that can be damaging.
Despite the challenges, Ariana remains proud of her accomplishments and the person she is becoming. At 31, she continues to navigate the complexities of fame with grace, embracing her artistic growth while pushing back against unfair criticism. Through it all, she has maintained a commitment to her craft and her personal values, reminding us all that success should never come at the expense of self-worth. In her own words, she’s “not perfect,” but she’s “deeply good”—a sentiment that reflects the authenticity and resilience that has defined her career.
