The creation of Sweetener and Thank U, Next was a deeply emotional journey for Ariana Grande, as she recently revealed in an interview on the Hollywood Reporter podcast Awards Chatter. The Grammy-winning artist opened up about her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, depression, and anxiety during the making of these albums, wich were released back-to-back in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Sweetener, released in August 2018, was Grande’s first project following the devastating Manchester bombing in 2017, which killed 22 people and injured hundreds of others during her risky Woman Tour.The tragedy left an indelible mark on the singer, who has since been vocal about its impact on her mental health.Less than a month after the album’s release, Grande faced another heartbreak when her ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller, died of an accidental drug overdose.
Grande channeled her pain into her music, creating Thank U, Next in just two weeks. The album, released in February 2019, became a cathartic outlet for her. “I was doing so much therapy, and I was dealing with PTSD and all different kinds of grief and depression and anxiety. and, I was, of course, treating it very seriously, but having music be a part of that remedy was essential,” she shared during the podcast.
The singer’s openness about her mental health struggles has resonated with fans worldwide.Her ability to transform personal pain into art has not only solidified her place in the music industry but also inspired countless individuals facing similar challenges.
Key Moments in Ariana Grande’s Journey
| Event | Date | Impact |
|——————————–|—————-|—————————————————————————-|
| Manchester bombing | May 2017 | Triggered PTSD and anxiety, influencing Sweetener |
| Release of Sweetener | August 2018 | First album post-tragedy, marked by themes of healing and resilience |
| Death of Mac Miller | September 2018 | Deepened Grande’s grief, leading to the creation of Thank U, next |
| release of Thank U, Next | February 2019 | A cathartic project completed in two weeks, addressing loss and recovery |
Grande’s journey is a testament to the power of music as a healing tool. Her willingness to share her struggles has not only humanized her but also sparked vital conversations about mental health. For more on her story, listen to the full interview on the Hollywood Reporter podcast Awards Chatter.Ariana Grande Reflects on Healing Through Music and Connection with Fans
Ariana Grande has opened up about how her music served as a lifeline during some of her darkest moments,describing it as a means of survival and healing. In a candid conversation on the podcast Awards Chatter, the Grammy-winning artist revealed that creating her albums Sweetener and Thank U, Next was not just a creative endeavor but a deeply personal and urgent process.
“Absolutely contributing to saving my life,” Grande shared. “They were dark times,and the music brought so much levity and so did the experience. But it poured out with urgency,and it was made with urgency,and it was a means of survival.”
While her record label initially hesitated to move on from Sweetener so quickly, Grande insisted on following her instincts. “Unless it was rap music or hip-hop,it wasn’t really a commonly done thing,” she explained. “And I just said, ‘I don’t really care about the formula. I don’t really want to play by the rules at this moment because this is what I need from my soul.’”
The result was Thank U,Next,an album that resonated deeply with fans and critics alike. “It felt really healing and freeing. It was just such a beautiful moment of connection,” Grande added.
A Deep Bond with Fans
Grande’s connection with her fans has been a cornerstone of her career. She described it as “one of the most beautiful pieces of the puzzle,” sharing heartfelt anecdotes about the impact she’s had on their lives.
“like, meeting waiters at a restaurant who will tell me that they felt like they had a big sister in me because they didn’t have a sister growing up, and they’re gay, and they have felt like I was their sister, and they could come out because I was there and made a silly song,” she said. ”It’s just really beautiful, and I carry that with me.”
Key Moments in Ariana Grande’s Career
| Album | Release Year | Impact |
|——————–|——————|—————————————————————————|
| Sweetener | 2018 | Marked a shift in Grande’s sound,addressing themes of love and resilience |
| Thank U,Next | 2019 | A raw,emotional response to personal struggles,resonating with millions |
Grande’s openness about her struggles and her unwavering connection with her fans have solidified her status as one of pop music’s most relatable and influential figures. For more insights into her journey,read the original article on People.
As Grande continues to navigate her career, her ability to turn pain into art and her dedication to her fans remain at the heart of her success. Her story is a testament to the power of music as both a personal and communal healing force.
