Ariana Grande recently opened up about experiencing memory loss from the early years of her career, attributing it to a lack of boundaries and overextending herself. The 31-year-old singer and actress shared her thoughts during a Feb. 3 episode of the “Smartless” podcast, explaining that she struggled to say no and pushed herself to the limit during her rise to fame.
How a Lack of Boundaries Created Memory Loss
Grande admitted that she has difficulty recalling certain events from her past, including an appearance on the British talk show “Chatty Man” in 2016 with “Smartless” cohost Will Arnett. When Arnett mentioned their shared experience on the show, Grande initially failed to remember it.
“Wait, no. What weird talk show did we do?“ she asked before eventually recalling. “Oh my god, that’s right. It’s back.”
She clarified that her forgetfulness was not due to the people she worked with but rather the intense demands she placed on herself at the time.
“It’s not you, it was the boundaries, remember?“ she explained to Arnett. “It was me. I’m missing a couple of years—I’m super serious—from that time. I’m literally missing a few years.”
Grande acknowledged that the early days of her pop career were overwhelming, as she found it difficult to set limits and prioritize self-care.
A Healthier Balance
Today, Grande credits her current support system for helping her establish a healthier work-life balance. She expressed gratitude for her team, whom she described as “really protective and amazing.” The experience of working on “Wicked“, she noted, has been “quite different” compared to her earlier years, allowing her to fully enjoy the process without the same level of stress.
GettyAriana Grande attends the 2025 National Board of Review Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on January 07, 2025 in New York City.
Grande also spoke about how therapy and personal growth have helped her reconnect with her music in a more positive way. In an August interview on Hot Ones, she admitted that certain songs used to be difficult for her to listen to because they were tied to intense emotions and experiences.
“There was a time when it was hard for me to feel that same gratitude that I do now for certain songs,” she said. “Becoming a pop star is insane at 19 or 20, and I think that experience was sort of married to some of the songs a little bit.”
Through time and therapy, she has learned to re-embrace those songs, allowing her to reflect on her journey with appreciation rather than distress. Grande’s candid revelation is impactful for future generations of rising talent.
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