"Why do you want me to be sitting here numb?": Ariana Grande opens up about embracing real emotion despite fans labeling it “cringe”

Ariana Grande is done pretending that being excited is embarrassing and that joy is "cringe." In a world where the internet rolls its eyes at anyone who dares to care too loudly, the pop superstar is clapping back.

In her recent tell-all with Evan Ross Katz on his Shut Up Evan podcast, the songstress spoke out about her displeasure with the current culture's disapproval of joy and excitement.

“[Earnestness] scares people so much, and I think that’s really sad. The whole ‘cringe,’ whatever, is just so unfair. Maybe it’s because of, like, PTSD or whatever, but I love so much. I’m so grateful to feel so much.”

The "we can't be friends" hitmaker stated that sincere feelings of happiness are now often labeled as "cringe," noting that such emotions are actually "the best."

“We should be able to be happy and it not be corny or cringe … being passionate about something, loving people. That’s the best. Why do you want me to be sitting here numb? Been there.”

Ariana Grande's comments follow her viral clips with Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo from last year, in which their emotions and reactions were written off as insincere. But for the pop star and actress, her experience during the film promotions was something she truly cherished.

“There are so many clips that you would understand if you were there. I loved that experience. We had a really beautiful time.”

Meanwhile, apart from the recently wrapped-up press tour for Wicked: For Good, set for release on November 15, Ariana Grande has also been busy filming for another movie: Focker-In-Law.

The 2026 comedy movie stars Ben Stiller, Skyler Gisondo, and Robert De Niro. Ariana Grande shared:

“With this second one, we’ve been filming. I’m wrapping Fockers on Halloween and flying straight into Brazil, we’re starting the [Wicked] press tour three days later."

Focker-In-Law comes out in November 2026.

Ariana Grande reveals Madonna and Beyoncé supported her when fame hit: "I was overwhelmed by it"

In the same episode, Ariana Grande revealed that two pop icons reached out to her when her career took off: they were none other than Madonna and Beyoncé. Grande said:

"I’m very lucky that my idols have been very kind to me. I remember Madonna immediately was very kind. I think she was one of the first people to reach out and, like, give me a warm welcome, and it was just really cool. I was overwhelmed by it, because I love her so much."

The "Queen of Pop" has always shown her support for the R.E.M. Beauty founder. In 2018, she lent her voice for a spoken narration in Grande's hit, "God is a Woman."

The "no tears left to cry" star also gave a heartwarming shout-out to Beyoncé, praising her kindness.

“Beyoncé had me come visit a music video she was shooting, and I was just there in the corner. I was like, ‘Why am I here?’ It was after I sang ‘Tattooed Heart’ on the AMAs."

She added:

"She invited me to set to visit her, and she just was being kind — she gave me a little bit of advice, and, you know, I asked, but she was so kind.”

Of course, Ariana Grande didn't forget to bring up Mariah Carey, with whom she collaborated on her track "yes, and?" The song, released in January 2024, debuted No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and multiple other charts, including the Global 200.

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She continued, feeling grateful for how the people she admired had shown appreciation for her.

"It made me feel safe.”

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