Ariana Grande is sharing why she has a wickedly bad memory.
The 31-year-old recently explained that the early years of her music career are a little hazy because of stretching herself too thin.
“When I was younger and during my first few years as a pop star,” Ariana said on the Feb. 3 episode of the Smartless podcast, “I really struggled with boundaries and not being able to say ‘No’ when I needed to if I was running on empty.”
In fact, the 31-year-old had trouble recalling appearing on a 2016 episode of British talk show Chatty Man with Smartless cohost Will Arnett.
“Wait, no. What weird talk show did we do?” Ariana asked when he brought up their joint appearance, before eventually recalling the experience. “Oh my god, that's right. It's back.”
And the Nickelodeon alum assured Will that her forgetfulness had nothing to do with him.
“It's not you, it was the boundaries, remember?” she continued. “It was me. I'm missing a couple of years—I'm super serious—from that time. I'm literally missing a few years.”
Luckily, Ariana has surrounded herself with people who make sure she maintains a work-life balance now.
Noting that she now has a team that is “really protective and amazing,” she added, “I feel really grateful for the balance that I have found. This whole Wicked journey has been quite different for me. And it's been obviously full steam ahead, but it's been so beautiful and so fun.”
And while Ariana can have a positive attitude about the beginning of her music career now, she previously explained that her optimistic mindset came from years of inner work—especially when it relates to specific tracks in her catalogue.
“There was a time when it was hard for me to feel that same gratitude that I do now for certain songs,” she said on Hot Ones in August. “Becoming a pop star is insane at 19 or 20, and I think that experience was sort of married to some of the songs a little bit.”
She added, "Some of the songs that are more emotional, the experience that inspired them can be married to the music. But with time and therapy, we sort of are able to re-embrace, so I feel just really proud and grateful and happy when I hear them.”
For more memories of Ariana Grande over the years, keep reading…
Glam Girl
Ariana Grande dazzled in a salmon pink dress at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards. This look made her vibrant red hair pop!
Darling Diva
The Sam & Cat star stunned in a charming white mini-dress at the 2011 Grammy Awards. She paired her simple, yet striking outfit with sparkly gold heels and dainty jewelry pieces.
Hot, Hot, Hot
Looking like a modern-day Jessica Rabbit with her blinding Dolce & Gabbana red dress, Ariana shimmered at the 2013 American Music Awards.
Vintage Vibes
Serving fans retro charm in her custom Kenley Collins dress, the Scream Queens actress looked perfectly polished at the 2013 Style Awards.
Ray of Sunshine
The "Dangerous Woman" singer made a splash at the 2014 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. Matching the orange carpet, Grande wore a vibrant mini-dress and pairs it with white pumps and a whimsical clutch.
Dashing in Black
Ariana oozed with old Hollywood glamour at the 2014 American Music Awards. She opted for a floor-length black lace gown from MT Costello.
White-Hot
Wearing a white gown with silver lamé mesh at the 2015 Grammy Awards, Ariana shined as bright as the flashing lights on the red carpet.
Effortlessly Elegant
Beaming in a floral beaded, peplum mini-dress at the 2015 American Music Awards, Ariana stunned in this statement-making piece from Giambattista Valli.
Vision in White
Ariana made a bold fashion choice wearing an all-white ensemble at KISS FM in 2015. While most are scared to get an outfit like that dirty, the Nickelodeon alum wasn't afraid to take that risk!
Penchant for Pantsuits
Ditching the usual dress at the 2016 American Music Awards, the "Problem" artist opted for a sexy corset top and elegant white pants.
Oversized Overalls
Ariana rocked a funky fresh outfit at the 2016 Hairspray Live! press junket. She sizzled in oversized overalls, a bralette and a bedazzled choker necklace.
Royal Blues
Ariana brought the heat to the 2016 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. Her Atelier Versace dress highlighted her playful side with its unique cut-out design and bright colors.
God Is a Woman
Ariana took fans to church with her Sistine Chapel-inspired dress at the 2018 Met Gala. Megan McCluskey designed the gown in keeping with event's theme of "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination."
Cotton Candy Dream
Ariana looked like a cotton candy dream in her pastel pink ensemble at the 2018 iHeartRadio Wango Tango event. Giving us '90s nostalgia, she rocked platinum sneakers, matching ankle socks and an oversized sweater that states, "girls girls girls."
Lavender "Loofah"
The "7 Rings" singer looked regal and elegant in her custom Christian Siriano dress, which she perfectly dubbed the "loofah of the year" lewk. Of course, she tied her outfit together by wearing her signature thigh-high boots.
SIlver Siren
Not only did the pop star turned heads with two outfit changes at the 2020 Grammys red carpet, but her platinum blonde pony was all anyone could talk about at the time.
Curly Sue
Ariana said thank u, next to her signature high pony with a selfie that showed off her natural curls in 2020.
13 Going on 30
The "Positions" singer channeled Jennifer Garner's 13 Going on 30 character in 2021.
Blonde Beauty
The Wicked actress debuted a dramatic blonde look in October 2022.
Wickedly Good
Ariana channeled Glinda the Good Witch in a pink Giambattista Valli gown at the 2024 Oscars.
Goddess of the Garden
For the 2024 Met Gala, which had a "Garden of Time" dress code to celebrate the "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" exhibit, Ariana wore an ethereal white gown from Loewe featuring a mother of pearl bodice—a nod to her birthstone—and long chiffon skirt.