Ariana Grande believes entertainment bosses need to do more to protect young stars’ mental health. The statement comes amid growing concerns about the wellbeing of young performers in the entertainment industry.
The 31-year-old singer-and-actress – who shot to fame starring in Nickelodeon series ‘Victorious’ and spin-off ‘Sam and Cat’ from 2010 to 2014 – believes therapy should be an essential tool for artists as they learn to cope with life in the public eye. Her time on these shows gave her firsthand experience of the pressures young performers face.
Speaking on the ‘WTF with Marc Maron’ podcast, she said: “It’s so important that these record labels, these studios, these TV studios, these big production companies make it a part of the contract when you sign on to do something that’s going to change your life in that way, on that scale. You need a therapist to be seeing several times a week.” The podcast has become a platform for many celebrities to discuss mental health challenges in the industry.
“When these people are cast in these life-changing roles, or when they get that record deal, when they get that moment, that should be non-negotiable in the contract. Because to be an artist, you are a vulnerable person with your heart on your sleeve. So the same person who is meant to do art is the exact same person who is not meant to deal with that.” Her comments reflect the growing awareness of mental health needs in the entertainment sector.
The ‘Positions’ hitmaker recalled how “there was no limit” to the negative comments she received on topics ranging from her body to her relationships when she made her initial transition into music with her 2013 debut album ‘Yours Truly‘. The transition from child actor to music artist brought additional challenges and public scrutiny.
She added: “I was 19 when all of that nonsense started happening to me, and it’s just a crazy piece of the puzzle. It’s something you work so hard to try and understand, and it will never make sense to me… It started when I was so young with my body or rumours about my relationship. Or about my team or about my mom or about people I love. There was just no limit.” The impact of such criticism has been a constant challenge throughout her career.
Grande‘s advocacy has resonated with many in the industry, particularly those who have experienced similar challenges early in their careers. Her openness about these issues has encouraged other performers to speak up about their own experiences with mental health struggles in the spotlight.
The entertainment industry has begun to acknowledge the importance of mental health support, with some studios implementing wellness programs and counseling services. These initiatives aim to provide young performers with the tools they need to navigate fame and public scrutiny.
The rise of social media has intensified the pressure on young stars, making mental health support more crucial than ever. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter have created an environment where celebrities face constant public commentary and criticism.
Grande’s experience mirrors that of many child stars who have transitioned to adult careers in the entertainment industry. The pressure to maintain a public image while dealing with personal growth and development has been a recurring challenge for young performers.
The singer’s advocacy for mandatory therapy in entertainment contracts represents a significant step toward protecting future generations of performers. Her suggestions for contractual mental health provisions could help establish new industry standards for artist welfare.
As the conversation around mental health in entertainment continues to evolve, Grande’s perspective as both a former child star and current music industry leader carries particular weight. Her experiences spanning both television and music give her unique insight into the challenges faced by young performers across different sectors of the entertainment industry.
