Ariana Grande has announced she is taking a step back from the spotlight due to what she describes as "endless, ongoing public scrutiny." The acclaimed singer and actress, who rose to fame on Nickelodeon's "Victorious" and its spin-off "Sam & Cat," has been a prominent figure in popular culture since launching her music career in 2011.
Grande has achieved significant success, with 10 U.S. number one hits and three Grammy Awards from 20 nominations. More recently, she earned an Academy Award nomination in 2025 for her role in "Wicked."
However, her public life has also been marked by difficult experiences. In 2017, a bombing at her concert in Manchester, England, resulted in 22 fatalities. Following the incident, Grande spoke about experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), describing a sense of fear when venturing out in public. The death of her ex-boyfriend, rapper Mac Miller, in 2018, also led her to discuss overwhelming grief, which she has openly discussed.
Her personal relationships, including those with comedian Pete Davidson, real estate agent Dalton Gomez, "Wicked" co-star Ethan Slater, and former backup dancer Ricky Alvarez, have frequently been subjects of media attention. In a recent song, "Oh Well," Grande alludes to past relationships with lyrics suggesting an unnamed ex or exes "can all go to hell."
Beyond these public challenges, Grande has also spoken about her struggles with depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She has advocated for mandatory therapy for child stars, highlighting the pressures faced by young performers in the industry.