Ariana Grande is reflecting on how Mac Miller influenced her music seven years after his death.
The singer made rare comments about her late ex during a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter for a live MasterClass held at Chapman University in Orange, Calif., earlier this month.
The pop star said that she was “very thankful” for “The Spins” artist for telling her to “do the brave thing” and create R&B-influenced pop music.
Grande, 32, explained that Miller’s encouragement was why she was “so eager” to ask the rapper to collaborate on their 2013 song, “The Way.”
“Not only because he was perfect for the song, but I also felt like I had him to thank for finding my sound,” she said.
Grande and Miller linked up again in 2016 to collaborate on his 2016 hit “My Favorite Part,” as well as a remix of her song from the same year, “Into You.”
The “Wicked” actress and Miller confirmed their relationship in 2016 and dated for nearly two years before calling it quits in May 2018.
Just four months later, Miller tragically died of an accidental overdose on Sept. 7, 2018. He was 26.
Grande mourned his loss with a touching tribute shared on her Instagram at the time.
“I adored you from the day I met you when I was 19 and I always will. I can’t believe you aren’t here anymore. I really can’t wrap my head around it. We talked about this,” she wrote.
“So many times. I’m so mad, I’m so sad, I don’t know what to do. You were my dearest friend. For so long. Above anything else.”
Grande expressed her regret for not being able to “fix” him or “take [his] pain away.”
“I really wanted to. The kindest, sweetest soul with demons he never deserved. I hope you’re OK now. Rest,” she wrote.
Grande has continued to honor his memory over the years, celebrating his birthday, getting a tattoo of his dog’s name and even giving him a shout-out on her popular 2019 song “Thank U, Next.”
