Ariana Grande is ready to set the record straight: being happy should never be “cringe.” The pop star passionately dismantles today’s aversion to earnestness, inviting us all to reclaim joy—without apology.

Ariana Grande Takes on ‘Cringe’ Culture—With Heart

On a recent episode of Evan Ross Katz’s Shut Up Evan podcast (posted Oct. 24), Ariana Grande opened up about something that’s been bugging her—and if you ask us, she’s got a point. Grande, never one to shrink from speaking her mind (and isn’t that what we love about her?), took direct aim at the culture that labels other people’s genuine excitement as “cringe” or “trying too hard.”

The Grammy-winning singer made it clear she’s not interested in pretending to be coolly detached. In her own words: “[Earnestness] scares people so much, and I think that’s really sad… The whole ‘cringe,’ whatever, is just so unfair.” For Grande, this isn’t just a pet peeve—it’s something personal. She wonders if the modern allergy to feeling too much might be “because of, like, PTSD or whatever,” but for herself, she’s grateful to feel deeply and refuses to apologize for it.

Passion Is Not a Punchline

Grande continued, challenging the idea that happiness and enthusiasm should be embarrassing or “corny.” “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.” The singer’s question is as pointed as it is relatable—who decided that being alive, interested, or moved should be considered a flaw?

Grande’s dislike for the current “cringe” label isn’t just hypothetical. She pointed specifically to moments from last year’s Wicked press tour, where her and costar Cynthia Erivo’s emotional responses were scrutinized and sometimes written off as inauthentic. One viral hit, the “holding space” meme, was born during this period—often without context or empathy for the genuine feelings involved. “There are so many clips that you would understand if you were there,” Grande insisted. Far from cringing at the memory, she recalled, “I loved that experience. We had a really beautiful time.”

“Wicked: For Good” Brings a New Approach for Fans

Of course, being Ariana Grande, she’s not just reflecting on the past—she’s got a fresh promo cycle to manage. While discussing Wicked: For Good, the sequel to the record-breaking adaptation, Grande explained that the latest press tour is intentionally more low-key. Multitasking might be an understatement, since she’s been busy filming 2026’s Focker In-Law alongside Skyler Gisondo, Ben Stiller, and Robert De Niro. (Honestly, get this woman a coffee. Or a medal.)

Grande said, “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. It’s not necessarily a strategy as much as it’s logistically been a little difficult.”
She also noted, “We wanted to make it different this time. The first time was so special and so unique that we wanted to make it more about the fans this time.”

So how will Grande and the Wicked team connect with fans this time around? The main event: a concert special premiering on NBC in early November. Yes, that’s right—you’ll be able to soak in the Wicked magic from your sofa.

This all comes as we count down to Wicked: For Good hitting theaters in just one month and concluding the big-screen saga that started last year. If you missed it: the original film broke box office records as the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation, and its soundtrack landed impressively at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Words of Wisdom and Looking Ahead

Grande wasn’t all business, though. In the same podcast, she reminisced about getting career advice from none other than Madonna and Beyoncé—so if you needed confirmation that pop queens really do help their fellow royalty, there it is. She also touched on why she once thought she’d never release another album after 2020’s Positions. (She didn’t elaborate in this excerpt, but here’s hoping she continues to prove herself wrong.)

If there’s a takeaway from Grande’s candid chat, it’s this: don’t let anyone shame you for loving fiercely or expressing yourself passionately. Culture might be obsessed with cynicism, but there’s nothing “cringe” about being happy. Next time someone tries to tell you otherwise, maybe just send them a link to this article—and an invitation to the concert special.