Ariana Grande is opening up about her relationship with the late Mac Miller, nearly seven years after his heartbreaking death — and her latest reflection is one of gratitude, tenderness, and artistic honesty.
During a recent appearance at Chapman University, the 32-year-old singer was asked about creative influences throughout her career. That’s when she shared a candid, emotional reflection about Mac, who not only played a meaningful role in her life but also in the evolution of her sound.
Ariana explained that Mac was one of the earliest people to encourage her to explore R&B-leaning pop — a direction that would later become central to her artistry. In a TikTok video captured from the conversation, she told students:
“I’m really thankful for that.”
She went on to reveal that Mac’s influence is part of the reason he appeared on her breakout 2013 hit “The Way.”
“That’s also part of why I was so eager to ask him to be a part of it,” Ariana added. “Not only because he was perfect for the song, but I also felt like I had him to thank for finding my sound.”
The pair collaborated multiple times throughout their careers — including on “My Favorite Part,” a fan-favorite from Mac’s 2016 album, and on the remix of Ariana’s “Into You,” also released that same year. Their chemistry in the studio and onstage mirrored the warmth of their off-camera relationship.
Ariana and Mac went public as a couple in 2016 and dated for almost two years before splitting in 2018. Just months later, in September of that year, Mac died from an accidental overdose at age 26 — a loss that deeply affected Ariana and fans around the world.
In 2023, Ariana paid tribute to him while celebrating the 10th anniversary of her debut album Yours Truly, once again acknowledging his impact on her early music and personal growth.
