Ariana Grande: 'Music Is Where My Heart Is'

Marie Claire: So let's talk about your debut album. Why is it called "Yours Truly?"

Ariana Grande: I felt like the album was a love letter that was written over the span of three years, so I wanted to sign it like a love letter. A lot happened and I grew as a person: Things changed—relationships, heartbreak, and then new love.

MC: Heartbreak for you? You're only twenty!

AG: It can happen. Yeah, it was bad!

MC: Do you remember the first time you decided you wanted to become a singer?

AG: You know, there was no moment where I was like, "Oh I want to be a singer." For as far back as I can remember I just knew it was what I wanted to do. When I was a little girl, I would dress up and sing around the house in costumes. I just thought it was what I was meant to do.

MC: Who was that one person who inspired you musically?

AG: India Arie and Imogen Heap are two of my favorite artists. They're like goddesses. I love them so much.

MC: Who's your style icon?

AG: Audrey Hepburn.

MC: You played the character of Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon's Victorious, and now on Sam & Cat. What's the difference between being a TV actress versus being a singer?

AG: I love [acting for the fans] who watch the show—that means so much to me. But music is where my heart is--it feels natural, as opposed to acting, which feels like a challenge.

MC: What do you want your fans to take away from this record?

AG: I want them to get to know me as Ariana. I love my fans. I have a very intimate relationship with them—they feel like friends to me. I think it's an exciting moment because I get to be me now. I don't have to be a character, which is scary at the same time, because if they don't like [my music], it's me they don't like. But it's honest and real and it's who I am. I'm proud of it. I feel very blessed.

MC: What's your goal for your music career?

AG: It's not about numbers or breaking records. I guess for me it's about making music you want to listen to the whole way through. Each song means something. I want [my fans] to love it, and I want it to mean something to them. I want it to be relatable.

Check out Grande's most recent music video and cover of "Last Christmas" below!

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