Ariana Grande
Axel / Power Griffin / Movie MagicAriana Grande She thanked two special “friends” while accepting her first major award of the year.
“Thank you guys so much,” the 31-year-old Wicked star told the crowd at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival on Friday, January 3, where she was presented with the Rising Star Award by White lotus star Jennifer Coolidge.
“You don't know how much that means to me,” Grande continued. “I've been performing since I was a kid, so I never thought at 31 years old that I'd hear the phrase 'rising star' again, so I wanted to start by thanking my two friends: Botox and Juvederm.”
Grande's sarcasm was met with laughter from the audience as she added: “I thought I was going to hear 'a little melting star' or 'a falling star' by now, so thank you.”
Ariana Grande credits her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo with helping her “heal certain parts” of herself. Grande, 31, and Erivo, 37, spoke about their friendship in an interview with The New York Times published on Wednesday, November 6.
In September 2023, Grande revealed Vogue magazine That she'd had Botox and “a ton” of lip fillers over the years, but that was it I stopped using both in 2018.
“Being exposed to so many voices at a young age, and especially when people have things to say about your appearance at a young age, it's really hard to know what's worth listening to or not,” she explained at the time. “When you're 17, you don't really know it yet.”
In her speech on Friday, she also thanked Grande evil Director and “Fearless Leader” John M. ChuIn addition to her colleague and “wonderful sister” Cynthia Erivowho portrayed Grande's Glinda's Elphaba in the 2024 musical film. She went on to say that comedy was her first love, even before she became a pop star.
“Being able to play Glinda the Good was not only the honor of my life, but felt like a homecoming,” Grande continued. “For those who don't know, I started out in stand-up comedy. My first professional gig was in our living room in Boca Raton, Florida (entertaining) my grandparents. I was 4 years old and my mom gave me $5.”
She continued, “I learned early on that laughter was one of our greatest escapes and I remember the contagious effect it had, not only on the people in my life, but how it fed me in return. And in the last 10 years when I've been really focusing on music, I've really missed that feeling.” “So it feels like the beginning of a new chapter.”
The Grammy Award winner was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award and a Critics' Choice Award for her role as Galinda, also known as Glinda the Good, in the film Wicked: Part One.
“in evil“Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Glinda elevates her to new heights with a powerful acting performance that beautifully combines her outstanding musical talent, brilliant characterization and impeccable comedic timing,” said Palm Springs Film Festival President. Nachatar Singh Chandni He said in a statement Regarding the singer/actress honor.
“Aryana is an iconic international artist who has seamlessly transitioned into films in her first major starring role, proving herself as a multi-faceted and undeniable talent,” Chandy continued. “This role is sure to be the beginning of many accolades that she will receive throughout her acting career. It is a great honor for us to honor Ariana Grande with the Rising Star Award.
