Ariana Grande is calling for a major industry shift when it comes to young stars navigating fame: mandatory therapy.
The singer recently sat down with Marc Maron on his WTF podcast where she got candid about growing up in the public eye and why record labels and studios need to step up their game when it comes to protecting their talent.
“It’s so important that these record labels, these studios, these TV studios, these big production companies make it a part of the contract,” Grande said. “[The studios] know how your life is going to change [they] see how it can change and impact people in a negative way [they] should be responsible for protecting you from that.”
Her comments come at a time when the mistreatment of young stars is under intense scrutiny. Demi Lovato’s documentary Child Star shed light on the toxic side of childhood fame and last year’s Nickelodeon exposé Quiet on Set detailed the disturbing reality behind the scenes of some of the network’s biggest shows. Given Grande’s own start on Nickelodeon’s Victorious it’s no surprise she’s speaking up about the need for systemic change.
For the Wicked star, making therapy a “non-negotiable” for young artists isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a necessity.
“Because to be an artist you are a vulnerable person with your heart on your sleeve,” she explained. And not everyone she added is equipped to “deal with that s**t.”
Grande also opened up about her personal experience facing relentless public scrutiny at a young age.
“I was 19 when all of that nonsense started happening to me and it’s just a crazy piece of the puzzle. It started when I was so young with my body or rumors about my relationships or about my team or about my mom or about people I love. There was just no limit.”
Fortunately she’s found support in her own therapist. “I love her so much. We do great work!” Grande shared.
Maybe it’s time Hollywood and the music industry started doing the work too.
