Ariana Grande Contemplates a ‘Demanding’ Year and Insights Gained Following Being ‘Profoundly Misunderstood’
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“On Instagram, the ‘7 Rings’ singer expressed, “One of the most transformative, most challenging, and yet happiest and most special years of my life.”
Ariana Grande is reflecting on a tumultuous year in her life with immense gratitude.
In a recent Instagram Story post, the singer-songwriter conveyed her thankfulness for the past year, acknowledging the opportunities she has encountered and the individuals she has crossed paths with.
Accompanied by a photo of a queen on a pink piece of paper, Grande penned her message in black and white text.
“one of the most transformative, most challenging, and yet happiest and most special years of my life,” expressed Grande, who is 30. “there were so many beautiful and yet polarized feelings.”
“i’ve never felt more at the mercy of and in acceptance of what life was screaming to teach me. i’ve never felt more fulfilled by or present in my work, being able to cherish every moment,” she continued.
She added: “i gave everything i could have possibly given of my heart and of myself to the projects i was fortunate enough to be a part of and learned so much from every brilliant, beautiful, soul that i had the privilege of creating art with and crossing paths with this year.”
In the post, the “7 Rings” singer also shared that she has experienced an abundance of pride and love this year, despite facing negativity from individuals making assumptions about her life. “i have learned how much more important one of those things is than the other,” she explained.
“I am listening to and trusting myself, even when fear or trauma tells me not to,” she continued. “i am reacting to things that deserve my energy only and removing and protecting myself from things that do not.”
Grande concluded the post by wishing her fans a happy new year. She also reminded them that “if you ever feel misunderstood or alone, just remember that it will pass.”
Grande has garnered recent attention for her relationship with Ethan Slater. The two met while working on the forthcoming movie adaptation of Wicked, and their on-screen collaboration evolved into a real-life romance.
PEOPLE first confirmed their relationship in July 2023, following Grande’s separation from her husband, Dalton Gomez, and Slater’s separation from his wife, Lilly Jay.
In December, a source informed PEOPLE that Grande and the 31-year-old Spamalot actor are in a “serious” relationship. “Ariana is serious with Ethan,” they disclosed. “She loves being with him.”
The insider further mentioned that while the couple “occasionally goes out” as Grande finalizes work on her upcoming album, they predominantly prefer staying in, describing their relationship as “very normal.”
On December 23, the pair was photographed together during one of their early public outings. The singer and Broadway star were captured during a night out in New York City. A source close to Grande informed PEOPLE that they dined with her father, Ed Butera, at her family’s favorite Italian restaurant before attending Slater’s performance in Spamalot.
Grande donned an all-black ensemble, including a furry bucket hat, mini skirt, and a black top with furry cuffs. Meanwhile, Slater opted for a more sporty outfit with a zip-up, joggers, and running shoes.
“They love to support each other in their work,” the source mentioned. “When she’s done with work, Ariana loves going to the theater when she can.”