Overview
- Grande said on The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast that Mac Miller encouraged her to "be myself," shedding her Nickelodeon character during the Yours Truly era.
- She recalled his guidance to embrace her natural brown hair and lean into R&B‑influenced pop, noting she had not shared this specific influence publicly before.
- Grande featured Miller on her 2013 lead single "The Way," saying he was perfect for the song and that she felt she owed him for helping her find her sound.
- The interview was recorded in December before a live audience at Chapman University and released this week, adding fresh on‑record context to her past reflections.
- She recently returned to brunette at the Jan. 4 Critics Choice Awards after years as a blonde for Wicked, and described the earlier strain of toggling hair color while filming Sam & Cat and performing on weekends.