Ariana Grande Spills the Real Talk: How Mac Miller Pushed Her to Ditch Her Nickelodeon Image Before It Was Too Late—Astro-Warning or Just Star-Crossed Advice?
Added on January 18, 2026 inEntertainment News Cards
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Ever wonder how the stars might align to nudge a pop icon toward a bold reinvention? Well, it turns out, during Ariana Grande’s Yours Truly era, her late boyfriend Mac Miller was the cosmic push she didn’t know she needed — encouraging her to ditch the red wig and drop the Nickelodeon character act in favor of embracing her natural brunette glow. Speaking candidly on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, Grande shared this previously untold chapter, revealing how Miller’s encouragement helped her leap from TV starlet to fearless R&B-infused pop artist. It’s the kind of transformation that makes you ask: are the planets whispering secrets about authenticity and bravery at just the right moment? Buckle up, because this story isn’t just about a change in hair color — it’s about embracing the truest version of oneself amid stardom’s dizzying spotlight. LEARN MORE.
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 her Yours Truly era. Speaking on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, Grande revealed Miller’s influence on her transformation from Nickelodeon star to pop artist.
“He encouraged me to be myself,” Grande said about her late ex-boyfriend. “That it was okay to kind of shed that character and embrace my brown hair and make R&B-influenced pop music and do the brave thing.”
The 32-year-old singer added a crucial detail. “I’ve never said that, but it was great influence.” Ariana Grande and Miller first collaborated on her hit single “The Way” in 2013. The track marked both artists’ breakthrough moments and sparked rumors about their relationship.
They didn’t go public as a couple until September 2016, three years after their musical partnership began.
During her Nickelodeon days playing Cat Valentine on Victorious, Grande’s signature red hair became part of her character. She explained the exhausting process of switching between her TV persona and music career.
Miller’s encouragement helped her make the permanent switch to her natural brunette color. The rapper saw beyond her television character and pushed her toward authenticity.
Their relationship lasted nearly two years before they amicably split in May 2018. Just days after their breakup, Miller was arrested for drunk driving and 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 emphasized they remained friends despite going their separate ways.
Miller died on September 7, 2018, at age 26 from an accidental overdose. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office determined he died from a fatal mixture of fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol.
Three men were eventually arrested and charged in connection with Miller’s death.
Cameron James Pettit, who allegedly sold the drugs directly to Miller, was released from federal custody in November 2024 after serving time without pleading guilty to the charges.
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