Ariana Grande is stepping into a more assertive public role, thanks to her recent experience working alongside Cynthia Erivo in the upcoming Wicked adaptation. Grande, known for her reserved nature, now feels more empowered than ever, drawing inspiration from her unapologetic co-star.

In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, the Grammy-winning singer reflected on her dedication to the role. “I am really proud of my hard work and of the fact that I did give 100 percent of myself, including my physicality, to this role,” she shared. Her role in Wicked has pushed her boundaries, and it appears this transformation goes beyond the screen.

According to a source who spoke with Life & Style, Grande’s newfound confidence can be attributed to her time spent with Erivo. “She is more confident and comfortable in her skin than ever,” the insider revealed. “Working with Cynthia, who is so unapologetically herself, has been inspiring. After being a people pleaser forever, Ariana is taking the reins.”

This shift comes at a critical time, as Grande’s personal life has been the subject of intense media scrutiny. Her relationship with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater made headlines, with many accusing the 7 Rings singer of being a “home-wrecker.” For quite some time, she faced public criticism and invasive rumors about how the two came together. However, Ariana has had enough of the negativity surrounding her love life.

“Ariana is happy in her relationship and tired of defending how they got together,” the insider revealed, shedding light on Grande’s frustration with the ongoing gossip. The scrutiny over her relationship with Slater has clearly taken a toll, but it seems Ariana is no longer willing to remain silent on the matter.

In the Vanity Fair interview, Grande addressed these rumors head-on, noting how misleading the public’s perception of her relationship has been. “So many people believe the worst version of it,” she admitted. The singer, often known for her private nature, has grown weary of the constant backlash and feels it’s time to set the record straight.

There couldn’t be a less accurate depiction of a human being,” Grande explained. She emphasized that the rumors swirling around her and Slater paint a false picture, one far removed from the truth.

Speaking about her partner, she expressed nothing but admiration, stating, “No one on this earth tries harder or spreads themselves thinner to be there for the people that he loves and cares about.

It’s evident that Grande’s experience in Wicked and her time spent with Erivo has been transformative. After years of feeling the pressure to please everyone, Ariana is finding her voice in both her personal and professional life. Working with someone as bold and self-assured as Erivo has clearly had a lasting impact on the singer.

Her supporters are likely to welcome this new chapter of Ariana’s life, where she is not only embracing her confidence but also taking control of the narrative surrounding her. By speaking openly about the challenges she has faced, Ariana is proving that she’s done letting others dictate her story.

As Grande continues to evolve, fans can expect to see a more empowered version of the singer, both on and off-screen. With Wicked on the horizon, it’s clear that this role will mark more than just another career milestone for her—it’s a turning point in her journey to self-empowerment.

Ariana Grande’s willingness to speak out about her personal struggles and to embrace her inner strength signals a shift in how she approaches life and her career. Whether it’s through her work or her relationships, she’s no longer letting external pressures define her. This new, unapologetic Ariana is here to stay, and she’s taking control like never before.