Marie Claire: So let's talk about your debut album. Why is it called "Yours Truly?"
Ariana Grande: I felt like the album was a love letter that was written over the span of three years, so I wanted to sign it like a love letter. A lot happened and I grew as a person: Things changed—relationships, heartbreak, and then new love.
MC: Heartbreak for you? You're only twenty!
AG: It can happen. Yeah, it was bad!
MC: Do you remember the first time you decided you wanted to become a singer?
AG: You know, there was no moment where I was like, "Oh I want to be a singer." For as far back as I can remember I just knew it was what I wanted to do. When I was a little girl, I would dress up and sing around the house in costumes. I just thought it was what I was meant to do.
MC: Who was that one person who inspired you musically?
AG: India Arie and Imogen Heap are two of my favorite artists. They're like goddesses. I love them so much.
MC: Who's your style icon?
AG: Audrey Hepburn.
MC: You played the character of Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon's Victorious, and now on Sam & Cat. What's the difference between being a TV actress versus being a singer?
AG: I love [acting for the fans] who watch the show—that means so much to me. But music is where my heart is--it feels natural, as opposed to acting, which feels like a challenge.
MC: What do you want your fans to take away from this record?
AG: I want them to get to know me as Ariana. I love my fans. I have a very intimate relationship with them—they feel like friends to me. I think it's an exciting moment because I get to be me now. I don't have to be a character, which is scary at the same time, because if they don't like [my music], it's me they don't like. But it's honest and real and it's who I am. I'm proud of it. I feel very blessed.
MC: What's your goal for your music career?
AG: It's not about numbers or breaking records. I guess for me it's about making music you want to listen to the whole way through. Each song means something. I want [my fans] to love it, and I want it to mean something to them. I want it to be relatable.
Check out Grande's most recent music video and cover of "Last Christmas" below!
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Clear Your Calendars Because 'Love Island USA' Returns for Season 7 Next MonthWe can't wait to head back to the villa.
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The Zara Edit I'm Predicting Everyone Will Be Wearing Next Month25 finds under $100 with the It girl look.
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Gigi Hadid Taps Gez Z's Favorite DIY Denim TrendThe picture of casual-cool style.
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Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Just Made a Big Promise for Their Second 'Wicked' Press TourGalinda and Elphaba KNOW they can't live up to this.
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Ariana Grande Teases a New Album Drop on Oscars Red Carpet: "Keep Your Eyes Peeled""The next step is...It means it must come out."
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Jeff Goldblum Teases How Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Will "Devastate" Fans in Wicked Sequel"I don't want to be a tattletale or a spoiler."
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Taylor Swift and Cynthia Erivo Casually Recreated the "Holding Space" Meme at the GrammysThe moment played out in the background of a clip of Trevor Noah hosting the awards show.
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Ethan Slater Shared a Rare Look at His and Ariana Grande’s Relationship as She Celebrated Her First-Ever Oscar NominationNo caption needed.
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Ariana Grande Shares NYE Reflection On a Year Full of "Art and Heart""Somehow, all of my favorite projects happened this year."
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Ariana Grande Stocked Up on Pink Underwear and Everything Else Before 'Wicked' Audition"I was like 'what underwear would Glinda wear today?'"
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Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet Recreate Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's "Holding Space" MomentNow everybody touch fingers.
