Ariana Grande, a global icon known for her powerhouse vocals and captivating performances, has recently found herself at the center of an emotional and divisive conversation. Her physical appearance during the promotion of her upcoming role as Glinda in the highly anticipated Wicked movie has sparked concern and debate among fans and the public. As a college student handling the pressures of societal beauty standards, I find these discussions both disheartening and deeply personal.
The buzz began when photos from Wicked promotional events showed a visibly thinner Ariana Grande. Fans on social media, particularly platforms like X (formerly Twitter), flooded timelines with comments expressing shock and concern. Descriptions such as “skeletal” and “starvation” dominated the discourse, with one user stating, “What is going on… they look near-death starving.” Another wrote, “I love Ariana so much, but she’s so thin lately. I hope she’s okay”.
Ariana, known for her candidness with fans, addressed these concerns in a heartfelt TikTok video earlier this year. She reminded her followers that comparing her current body to past images was unfair and harmful. “The body you’re comparing my current body to was the unhealthiest version of my body,” she revealed. Ariana explained that during her “healthiest” look, she was struggling emotionally, relying on antidepressants, and eating poorly. “I was at a really low point,” she admitted, urging fans to consider the complexities of health that aren’t always visible.
Her words were a powerful reminder that appearances don’t tell the full story. Health isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept, and what looks “ideal” to some may be far from it.
As a college student, it’s hard not to relate to the immense pressures Ariana faces. While most of us don’t live under the intense scrutiny of millions, we still feel the weight of societal expectations to look a certain way. These pressures are amplified on social media, where carefully curated images often set unattainable standards. Ariana’s situation reminds us of how public figures, no matter how accomplished, are often reduced to their appearances. Instead of celebrating her role in Wicked or her continued success in music and film, much of the conversation has centered on her weight. It’s a stark example of how society can sometimes prioritize aesthetics over achievements, especially for women.
The criticism hasn’t been limited to Ariana alone. Cynthia Erivo, Ariana’s Wicked co-star, has also faced backlash for her slimmer appearance. While Erivo has long been known for her fitness-focused lifestyle, fans noticed a change in her physique, prompting insensitive remarks. Social media users compared their appearances, with some jokingly referring to the situation as a “competition” between the two actresses.
This shared scrutiny only highlights the double standards women face in the entertainment industry. While male celebrities are often praised for their talent and versatility, women are frequently subjected to commentary about their bodies whether they’re too thin, too curvy, or somewhere in between.
The entertainment industry’s role in perpetuating these harmful standards cannot be ignored. From the earliest days of Hollywood, actresses have been held to near-impossible beauty standards. Roles often demand specific body types, and performers are pressured to maintain certain looks to remain marketable.
Ariana and Cynthia’s situation also sheds light on the industry’s toll on mental health. Filming Wicked likely required grueling schedules and intense physical demands, which could have contributed to their noticeable weight loss. Yet, instead of empathy, the public’s response has largely been judgmental.
The discussions surrounding Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are a reminder of the importance of empathy, both online and offline. As fans, we often feel connected to celebrities and invested in their lives. However, that doesn’t give us the right to comment on their bodies or speculate about their health.
Ariana’s vulnerability in addressing these issues should inspire us to be kinder, not more judgmental. She reminded fans, “You never know what someone is going through, so even if you’re coming from a loving place, you shouldn’t comment on someone’s body”.
As someone in college, I see these conversations influencing my peers. Body image struggles are already prevalent on college campuses, and seeing celebrities face similar issues can be both validating and disheartening. It’s a reminder that even the most successful individuals aren’t immune to the toxic culture surrounding beauty standards.
While the attention on Ariana and Cynthia’s appearances is unlikely to disappear overnight, it’s crucial to shift the narrative. Instead of focusing on their weight, we should celebrate their incredible talent and contributions to the entertainment world. Ariana’s role as Glinda and Cynthia’s portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked promise to bring a fresh perspective to a beloved story.
As fans, we have the power to influence these conversations. By practicing empathy and focusing on what truly matters, their artistry, resilience, and humanity we can help create a culture that values people for who they are, not what they look like.
For Ariana and Cynthia, this should be a time to shine, not defend themselves against public scrutiny. As Wicked approaches its release, let’s commit to being kinder, more compassionate, and more focused on the magic they’re bringing to the screen. After all, health and beauty are far more complex than what meets the eye.
In the words of Ariana herself: “Be gentle with each other and with yourselves.” Let’s take that to heart.