Ariana Grande is revealing the impact of music therapy on her mental health journey during a difficult period in her life. In a recent episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s “Awards Chatter” podcast, the Oscar-nominated star discussed how releasing two albums in under six months played a crucial role in coping with grief, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Her album “Sweetener” debuted in August 2018, marking her first musical release after the tragic 2017 terrorist attack at her concert in Manchester, England, which left 22 people dead and hundreds injured.
Following “Sweetener,” Grande dropped her chart-topping album “Thank U, Next” in February 2019, shortly after the overdose death of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller and the end of her engagement to comedian Pete Davidson. Reflecting on her experiences, Grande stated, “I think I needed to be doing that.” She emphasized that while she was undergoing extensive therapy for her PTSD, depression, and anxiety, integrating music into her healing process proved to be vital. “Having music be a part of that remedy was absolutely contributing to saving my life,” she remarked.
Grande shared that her music label, Republic Records, wished to delay the release of “Thank U, Next” right after “Sweetener,” but she was determined to proceed, viewing it as a “means of survival.” She expressed her resolve by saying, “I don’t really care about the formula. I don’t want to play by the rules at this moment, because this is what I need for my soul.” This decision to prioritize her creative expression during a tumultuous time was described by Grande as profoundly healing and freeing, creating a poignant moment of connection with her music.
The results of her insistence were overwhelmingly positive. “Thank U, Next” eventually went multiplatinum in multiple countries and earned Grande four Grammy Award nominations, even ranking No. 1 on Rolling Stone’s list of The 50 Best Albums of 2019. This artistic success allowed her to channel her pain into something meaningful, giving her an outlet that was both therapeutic and commercially rewarding.
Now, five years later, Ariana Grande is experiencing a career renaissance. She is currently starring in Jon M. Chu’s highly anticipated film adaptation of Broadway’s “Wicked,” where her performance has garnered nominations for an Oscar, Golden Globe, and SAG award. Furthermore, her personal life has seen new developments as she has reportedly begun a romantic relationship with her co-star Ethan Slater, following her near two-year marriage to Dalton Gomez.
The transition in Grande’s life has not been an easy one; however, her openness about the healing power of music offers hope and encouragement. Grande’s story shines a light on the significant role music therapy can play in healing from trauma. By sharing her experiences with depression and PTSD, she provides an inspiring perspective for others grappling with similar challenges, illustrating how creative expression can pave the way for recovery.
With her story, Ariana Grande emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health and courageously navigating life’s difficulties. Her journey showcases how embracing one’s passion can create a pathway to healing, illustrating that while tragedies can bring profound pain, they can also lead to a remarkable transformation through art and self-expression. As she continues to thrive, audiences remain eager to witness more of her artistry, with the hope that her journey will inspire many to explore their own avenues of healing.