SmartLess Podcast Episode Summary: "Ariana Grande"
Introduction
In the February 3, 2025 release of SmartLess, hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett welcome pop icon and Broadway star Ariana Grande as their special guest. The episode delves deep into Ariana's multifaceted career, her journey in musical theater, managing fame, and maintaining personal authenticity amidst the pressures of the entertainment industry.
Ariana's Career Journey
Ariana Grande's ascent from a Broadway enthusiast to a global pop sensation and acclaimed actress is nothing short of inspiring. Starting her career on Broadway at age 14 with the musical 13, Ariana showcased her passion for theater early on. Her transition to television saw her embodying the character Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon's Victorious and later on Sam & Cat. Concurrently, Ariana nurtured her burgeoning music career, releasing pop and R&B tracks that quickly garnered massive success.
Notable Quote:
"I'm blown away. Yeah, I was a total theater nerd. I did Broadway first when I was 14, and then I was acting for a little bit, but I was always simultaneously writing songs and doing music." — [14:42]
Joining Wicked
A pivotal moment in Ariana's career was her casting as Glinda in the Broadway production of Wicked. This role not only marked her return to her theater roots but also expanded her repertoire into serious acting.
Notable Quote:
"I really feel like I've been able to find a balance and also like a team who's really protective and amazing and I love it. I really feel like I've thoroughly been able to enjoy this Wicked insanity." — [10:24]
Ariana shared the rigorous audition process, highlighting the intensive vocal and acting training required. Her dedication was evident as she balanced her touring schedule with intensive preparation for her role in Wicked.
Notable Quote:
"Glinda requires a whole new skill set that I didn't have a connection to anymore because I was on the road for 10 years and I was just like, I have to make this my full-time gig." — [17:05]
Balancing Music and Acting
Managing dual careers in music and acting is no small feat, but Ariana navigates this balance with grace. She credits her early theater training and extensive touring for building the stamina and discipline necessary to excel in both arenas.
Notable Quote:
"I've been able to keep up with this tour where I'm singing all of these songs live for two and a half hours every night... the only reason I can keep up with this is being on Broadway." — [20:12]
Ariana emphasized the importance of physical training, such as cardio and Pilates, to maintain her performance levels for both singing and acting roles. Her ability to seamlessly switch between these demanding professions showcases her versatility and commitment.
Handling Fame and Pressure
With immense success comes significant public scrutiny. Ariana discussed the challenges of maintaining authenticity while managing her public persona. She highlighted the importance of setting boundaries and the role of her supportive team in preserving her mental health.
Notable Quote:
"As an artist, the most important thing is authenticity... I have to tune as much of the noise out so that I can just be an honest person." — [30:31]
Ariana openly spoke about her experiences with therapy and the importance of disconnecting from the constant buzz of fame to maintain her well-being.
Notable Quote:
"I have had the help of my loved ones and therapy and time and art and just like a love for, and also like a deep sense of gratitude for what I am so privileged to be able to do." — [40:14]
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond her professional endeavors, Ariana shared insights into her personal life. A dedicated vegan, she enjoys cooking and incorporates it into her daily routine. Her boyfriend, Ethan Slater, also from the Wicked cast, plays a significant role in her life, providing support and companionship amidst her busy schedule.
Notable Quote:
"I love to cook... I love to make like, roast mushrooms of different variants and make like, a vegan pesto and make pasta." — [50:55]
Ariana's daily routines reflect her disciplined yet creative nature. Early mornings spent on the treadmill often inspire her with new ideas, demonstrating her ability to integrate creativity into her fitness regimen.
Notable Quote:
"I have ideas and I'll send like crazy voice notes to Christian Breslauer, the director that I work with on all my music videos." — [50:00]
Anecdotes and Stories
The conversation was peppered with humorous and memorable anecdotes from Ariana's time in theater. She recounted incidents of on-stage mishaps and the camaraderie among cast members, providing a glimpse into the unpredictable world of live performances.
Notable Quote:
"One day, I look over to lock eyes with Aaron and do the choreography his way. And then I turn back and I see him covered in blood... it was just like the craziest thing." — [63:19]
Another memorable story involved Ariana inadvertently becoming a part of a live performance mishap, showcasing her quick thinking and the unpredictable nature of live theater.
Future Goals and Success
When asked about her definition of success, Ariana emphasized personal growth and the joy of creating over traditional metrics of achievement. Her future aspirations include expanding her acting portfolio and continuing to innovate in her music career.
Notable Quote:
"I love creating in all capacities and storytelling in any capacity. I enjoy creating, but my loves of my life are acting and music." — [28:12]
Ariana expressed her desire to take on roles that challenge her and allow her to explore different facets of her creativity, highlighting her commitment to evolving as an artist.
Conclusion
The episode concluded with heartfelt thanks as Ariana Grande shared her enthusiasm for future projects and continued collaboration with her team. The hosts expressed their admiration for her talent and versatility, leaving listeners with a deeper appreciation for Ariana's dedication to her craft and her ability to balance multiple high-profile careers.
Notable Quote:
"She is incredible and seems well suited for all that's coming." — [69:11]
Final Thoughts
This episode of SmartLess offers an intimate look into Ariana Grande's life, showcasing her journey from Broadway to global superstardom. Her candid discussions about balancing careers, handling fame, and maintaining authenticity provide valuable insights for aspiring artists and fans alike. Ariana's stories, combined with the hosts' engaging banter, make for a compelling and inspiring conversation that underscores her multifaceted talent and resilient spirit.