Ariana Grande Says Mac Miller Helped Her “Find Her Sound” — Emotional Reflection on the Late Rapper Moves Fans at Chapman University Master Class
Ariana Grande is no stranger to speaking from the heart, but even in a career defined by vulnerability, honesty, and deep connection with her fans, there are moments that stand apart. One of those moments arrived during her recent master class at Chapman University in Orange, California, where the pop superstar opened up about the early days of her career — and the profound influence of the late Mac Miller.
Grande, now a global force in pop and R&B, reflected on the first real turning point in her musical identity. She spoke softly, with a smile that carried both nostalgia and loss, as she revisited the creation of “The Way,” the 2013 breakout hit that not only launched her into the mainstream but also marked the beginning of a musical energy she would become known for. In front of a crowd of students eager to learn from one of the most streamed artists in the world, she credited Mac Miller for helping her find her artistic footing. Her words were sincere, and they seemed to lift the room into a moment of shared quiet.
“That’s also a part of why I was so eager to ask [Mac] to be a part of The Way,” she told the audience. “Not only because he was perfect for the song, but I also felt like I had him to thank for finding my sound.”
Her voice wavered gently with emotion, not in a way that suggested pain, but rather a deep, lasting appreciation. Grande has always been careful and respectful when speaking publicly about Miller, whose death in 2018 still reverberates through her fanbase and through music culture at large. Their relationship — both as collaborators and as partners — remains one of the most beloved chapters in modern pop storytelling, frozen in time by admiration and artistry rather than scandal or spectacle. Her reflection at Chapman was another example of the quiet dignity with which she remembers him.
For many fans, it’s easy to forget how young Grande was when she transitioned from Nickelodeon star to emerging recording artist. She was only 19 when “The Way” debuted, yet she carried the pressure of establishing a new identity with the entire world watching. She described those early studio sessions as a period of trial and discovery, filled with uncertainty but powered by the excitement of possibility. In those pivotal hours, she explained, Mac Miller brought laughter, confidence, and a musical chemistry that felt like lightning.
Their collaboration wasn’t merely strategic or commercial — it was creative synergy. Grande explained to the Chapman students that Miller heard her voice in a way that made sense to him immediately, and he encouraged her to lean into the soulful, airy, R&B-inspired melodies that would soon become her signature. Working with him helped her understand what she was capable of, she said. It wasn’t about image or pressure or chart positions; it was about artistry and instinct.
As she recounted those memories, the room felt suspended in time. Students listened not only to her words but to the emotion behind them. Grande wasn’t simply offering career advice or industry anecdotes — she was offering a moment of truth, one that touched on the intersection of grief, gratitude, and the shaping of an artist. She acknowledged that the success of “The Way” changed everything for her professionally, but it was the experience behind the scenes that left a greater mark.
Grande explained that the creative trust between her and Miller made the process feel effortless. They were young but dedicated, talented but humble, and they approached music with a sense of joy that often fades as artists age into the industry. He didn’t just support her professionally, she suggested; he helped affirm who she was as an artist.
Though she has evolved significantly since those early years — embracing more mature themes, experimenting with genre, and pushing her vocal boundaries — Grande made it clear that the foundation of her sound was built with Mac Miller beside her. Even now, more than a decade later, she feels the imprint of his influence.
Fans in the Chapman audience later shared clips and reactions on social media, describing the moment as “emotional,” “beautiful,” and “deeply human.” Many noted that Grande’s willingness to honor Miller with sensitivity continues to be one of the most respected aspects of her public persona. She didn’t sensationalize or dramatize their past; she highlighted his kindness, talent, and early support — the qualities she has consistently emphasized when speaking about him.
What made the moment especially poignant was the way Grande framed his influence not as something defined by their romantic history, but as something rooted in creativity and respect. She spoke as an artist who remembers another artist with admiration, and as a person who remembers someone who believed in her before the world fully did.
Her words also served as a reminder that Mac Miller’s legacy extends far beyond his own discography. His collaborations, mentorships, and quiet encouragement of younger artists continue to ripple through the industry. Grande’s acknowledgment offered students a glimpse into how powerful artistic partnerships can be — not in terms of fame or virality, but in shaping identity and confidence.
During the Q&A portion of her master class, one student asked Grande how young artists can navigate identity in an industry that pushes constant reinvention. She paused before answering, and though she didn’t mention Miller again directly, her earlier message lingered in her reply. She encouraged them to find collaborators who inspire growth, to follow the pull of authenticity over expectation, and to trust the people who see them clearly.
It became evident that her experience with Mac Miller remains a lesson she carries — not as a memory frozen in grief, but as one that continues to support her artistic choices today. As she spoke, her maturity showed in her ability to celebrate the past without being trapped by it.
Toward the end of the session, Grande’s tone lightened as she described the day they recorded “The Way,” calling it one of the happiest studio memories of her early career. She recalled laughing at how quickly everything clicked, how natural it felt to create with someone who understood rhythm and melody the way she did. Their voices blended effortlessly — something fans still revisit with tenderness whenever clips of the song trend online.
And even now, over a decade later, listening to “The Way” carries a kind of emotional resonance that goes beyond nostalgia. It is a moment in music preserved not only by its place in Grande’s rise to fame, but also by the emotional story behind it — the story she continues to honor with care.
As her master class came to a close, the audience applauded not only her success as a performer but her willingness to speak openly about the people who shaped her along the way. Grande has built a career on songs that explore love, heartbreak, growth, and resilience, and her reflection on Mac Miller felt like an extension of those themes. It was soft, vulnerable, and deeply respectful — a tribute from one artist to another.
In sharing that intimate window into her early career, Grande reminded her fans — and the students before her — that behind every polished pop era lies a network of influences, relationships, and moments of inspiration. And for her, Mac Miller remains one of the most defining.
