Ariana Grande revealed in a recent interview that there were many projects and ideas she scrapped during the creation of her 2020 album Positions, especially after receiving mixed feedback from fans. The 31-year-old Grammy winner opened up on the Las Culturistas podcast with Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, reflecting on the album’s journey and her evolving perspective on the work.
“That’s such a funny thing, the life cycle that album has taken, because when it came out, it kind of like… didn’t go so well,” Grande said, referring to her fifth studio album. While Positions eventually produced hit singles like the title track, “34+35,” and “POV,” the singer initially struggled with the response she received. “I just got a little bit of, ‘This is not what we want’ vibes, I think,” she recalled, reflecting on how some fans did not immediately connect with the project.
Grande, known for her emotional vulnerability, acknowledged her sensitivity as an artist, explaining that she often takes public feedback personally. “I’m very sensitive,” she said, adding that being a Cancer zodiac sign only amplifies her feelings. “But I also understand that as a public figure and a creator, people will either celebrate or tear apart the work. That’s part of it. I’m grateful to be here and in acceptance of that.”
The singer’s sensitivity led her to question herself and the reception of Positions. Grande admitted she scrapped many ideas for the album after feeling discouraged by the initial response. “I just remember that really, like, put me in a cage of judging every single piece. I scrapped so many things that I was gonna put out for it,” she said. However, the album’s later success surprised her. “And now, people are just, they love it like it’s the best thing I’ll ever make. And I’m like, ‘What is that?’ I’m like, ‘How is that fair?’”
Despite her early doubts, Grande expressed her gratitude for the fans’ eventual support and recognition of the album. “But I love them for it, and it’s OK, and it’s fine,” she added. “It’s not mine anymore, and that’s the thing that I also have to say because I am aware it’s a part of it. And I’m grateful for the voices and for the passion. I really am, but I’m also a person.”
While the early feedback from fans was mixed, Positions became a commercial success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The title track topped the Billboard Hot 100, while “34+35” reached No. 2, and “POV” hit No. 27. One major project Grande didn’t release in connection with the album was the music video for “POV,” which was leaked online in 2023. The video’s leak left fans wondering what might have been had it been made public.
ADVERTISEMENT
During the interview, Grande also discussed her future in music and acting, especially following her role as Glinda in the highly anticipated Wicked film adaptation. She assured fans that music would always be a part of her life. “I’m always gonna make music. I’m always gonna go on stage. I’m always going to do pop stuff, I pinky promise,” she said. However, Grande admitted that she no longer envisions herself working at the same pace as she has for the past decade. “I think I love acting, I love musical theater,” she said, hinting that she may shift her focus in the next chapter of her career.
Grande’s comments signal a shift in her approach to her artistic output, emphasizing her growing passion for acting and theater while still holding on to her love for music. Her role as Glinda, which debuts in Wicked on Nov. 22, marks a major milestone in her career, allowing the versatile performer to explore new creative outlets.
