We're only three months into 2024, and it's already proving to be a big year for musician Ariana Grande.
As well as presenting an award at this year's star-studded Oscars ceremony (while inadvertently setting tongues wagging about her 'new voice'), the singer's first ever movie Wicked is set to be released in November and her brand spanking new album Eternal Sunshine also hit the shelves last week.
Screaming. Crying. Throwing up.
Ever the emotive song-writer - often honing her tracks in on real-life heartache - many listeners believe that the 30-year-old has included several nods to her recent divorce from now-ex husband Dalton Gomez in her lyrics.
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The couple decided to part ways in July last year after two years of marriage together, having first met back in 2020.
The 'Thank u, next' hitmaker and luxury real estate agent subsequently got engaged not long after around Christmas that year, before tying the knot in May 2021 in an intimate ceremony held at Nickelodeon star Ariana's Montecito home.
A source close to the former couple told TMZ at the time: "There is still a strong mutual love and respect between Ariana and Dalton and they wanted to make sure everything was done right in lockstep with one another."
With their allegedly amicable break-up in mind, is it any wonder that fans of her music were left blindsided when she appeared to make several nods towards her high-profile split and subsequent 'romance' with her Wicked costar Ethan Slater?
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One of the songs included on the album titled 'Intro (End of the World)', has widely been interpreted as somewhat of a snapshot into her love life at the time of writing.
The lyrics discuss two male love interests - someone who takes on the role of her already-established partner, and a new man, who she considers a source of inspiration - which have been interpreted by some fans as being about Dalton and Ethan.
In the face of the widespread speculation, however, Ariana has this week pleaded with her fans not to spread rumours about any hidden agendas in her music.
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Taking to Instagram, she refused to condone trolling from fans looking to defend her.
"I just wanted to say anyone that is sending hateful messages to the people in my life based on your interpretation of this album is not supporting me and is absolutely doing the polar opposite of what I would ever encourage (and is also entirely misinterpreting the intention behind the music)," she penned.
The Victorious star continued: "I ask that you please do not. It is not how to support me. It is the opposite.
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"Although this album captures a lot of painful moments, it also is woven together with a through line of deep, sincere love.
"If you cannot hear that, please listen more closely. Thank you."
Topics: Ariana Grande, Music, Celebrity, Sex and Relationships
Rhianna Benson