We're So Into Ariana

As she embarks on her sexy Dangerous woman world tour, megastar Ariana Grande sits down with cosmo for an Intimate Interview where nothing is off-limits

- Kylie Buchanan

‘We’re not allowed to have an audience, right?’ she asks, sending Mac and her friends out of the room as we curl up on the couch for hours of candid conversation. ‘It’s supposed to be just us.’

Turns out, a party of two is plenty when you have as much to talk about as Ariana does. She’s built a career any artist would envy: her third album, Dangerous Woman, was a monster smash that spawned several hit singles, including the racy ‘Side to Side’.

The 23-year-old also found time for an acclaimed Saturday Night Live hosting stint – that J-Law impression! – and gave it her all playing nerdy Penny in NBC’s production of Hairspray Live!, a project so dear to her heart that she’s currently rocking an oversized hoodie that reads ‘Harvey’, given to her by the show’s star Harvey Fierstein. She also recorded the theme song to the Disney live-action version of Beauty and the Beast, in cinemas March 23. NBD.

It’s important to the former Nickelodeon star to prove that there’s more to her than just a pop icon. ‘A lot of times, women are labelled as a bitch, or a diva for having a vision and being strong and using their voice, and it’s not the case,’ she says. ‘You can be strong and be friendly. [We] don’t have to be just one thing. Women can love to read a book and have sex.’ She points over at a female samurai on the wall. The lady warrior is rocking a high pony and brandishing a sword – clearly, she exemplifies Ariana’s fierce brand of femininity.

It’s hard to believe you’re on your third world tour [for Dangerous Woman]. How are you feeling?