GRANDE DESIGNS
WITH HER THIRD ALBUM SET FOR RELEASE, ARIANA GRANDE TALKS TO GEMMA CALVERT ABOUT FANS, FASHION AND FLASHING THE FLESH ON STAGE
SHE may be only 22, but American singing sensation Ariana Grande has been performing since her teens. Her debut album in 2013 topped the US charts as did follow-up My Everything which spent 34 weeks in the top 10.
She is the fourth most-followed celebrity on Instagram, has just been named in Time magazine’s annual list of the most influential people in the world, designed a fashion range for the high street and next month releases her third album. She is one busy lady...
Your album Dangerous Woman is out next month. Has it been tough transitioning from a teen star into the adult world?
I AM so lucky to get to do what I do and I have such an amazing family and awesome friends supporting me everyday. I love my life right now. I am so proud of my new album and it really reflects who I am as a person. My fans are so supportive too.
You’re not shy about wearing risqué outfits on stage so how do you feel when female artists are criticised for flashing too much flesh in the name of music?
I THINK people should wear whatever makes them feel their best. I love my stage outfits – they are fun and easy to dance in.
When did you last do something dangerous?
MY friends and I used to love going to haunted places but then we actually saw a demon – it was crazy scary! Now I just like to watch scary movies at home.
Ed Sheeran says you’ve got a dirty sense of humour. What else would we be surprised to learn about you?
WELL, it’s not so much a secret anymore but I am pretty good at impressions and I love anything Disney.
You’ve described yourself as “brutally honest with people” so when did you last say something that shocked those around you?
I THINK that happens probably every day!
We saw you hanging out with Katy Perry before the Grammys. Are you close?
KATY is so great. She has been supportive of me from day one and I know I can always count on her to look out for me.
Which musician would you like to be stuck in a lift with for two hours?
MADONNA. She is a total inspiration for me. I still can’t believe I got to be on stage with her.
You seem so confident on stage but what’s your biggest insecurity?
I ALWAYS want to give my fans the best show possible so I really put pressure on myself to make things perfect. There is always the fear that something will go wrong, but I try not to focus on it too much. Once I’m on stage, it’s the best feeling in the whole world.
When did you last get angry?
I DON’T really ever get angry. I got frustrated a couple of times while I was in the studio making my new album because I wanted everything to be perfect. I’m so happy with how things turned out so the frustration was worth it.
You’re the new face of the high street fashion brand Lipsy. What item from your latest collection is most “you”?
I LOVE the violet floral printed dress with the apron neck. It’s super feminine and it’s a perfect dress for summer that you can wear again and again.
Who was your fashion inspiration growing up?
AUDREY HEPBURN. Her style is timeless and she has a petite frame like me.
What’s been your biggest fashion faux pas?
I’M SURE I’ve had lots but I think fashion should be fun and I just wear things that make me happy and confident.
When did you wear something you weren’t 100% sure about but had the best reaction?
OVER the knee bright white socks with mega high platform heels aren’t to everyone’s taste but then I noticed lots of other celebs wearing the look so I guess people like it.
What dress or outfit brings back the most entertaining memory from when you wore it?
THAT’S a tough one. I love dressing up, especially for Halloween. I will always laugh when I think about dressing up as a cow on the Ellen DeGeneres show and she was the Kardashians’ long lost sister, Karla. I couldn’t stop laughing!
If you could bring back any fashion trend from history what would it be?
I LOVE fashion from the 60s, especially all things Audrey Hepburn.
Finally, what’s the most exciting summer plan in your diary?
SO many. I’m really looking forward to sharing my new music with my fans all summer long.
Ariana Grande’s album A Dangerous Woman is out on May 20, her latest range for Lipsy is available now in store and online at Lipsy.co.uk