Ariana Grande Reflects On Positions Response Years later In New Interview

Ariana Grande recently opened up about the mixed reception her 2020 album Positions received from both fans and critics. In a candid interview, the Grammy-winning artist shared that, due to the lukewarm response, she ultimately decided to cancel several planned projects related to the album.

Released on October 30, 2020, Positions marked Grande’s sixth studio album and represented a stylistic shift, with its R&B-infused sound veering away from her usual pop territory. Despite producing a number-one single and topping the Billboard 200, the album’s direction left some fans and critics uncertain. One review went as far as to describe it as “all-night romps but no climax,” according to The Guardian.

ariana admitting that a lot of why the positions promo and content was scrapped was bc she thought fans hated it (which they did) only to turn around and drag her for “not promoting” and leak said stuff. worst fanbase of all time

— (@fcknliisa) November 7, 2024

In a recent appearance on the Las Culturistas podcast, the “Thank U, Next” singer revealed the personal impact of the album’s reception, explaining that she felt compelled to shelve a considerable amount of content she had initially planned.

“I just remember that it really, like, put me in a cage of judging every single piece,” she admitted. “I scrapped so many things that I was gonna put out for it. And now people are just, they love it like it’s the best thing I’ll ever make. And I’m like, ‘What is that? How is that fair?’”

Though initially disheartened by the criticism, the pop star expressed gratitude for the experience and the passion from her fans, who have grown to embrace the album over time. “But I love them for it, and it’s okay. It’s fine; it’s not mine anymore,” she reflected. “I’m grateful for the voices and for the passion. I really am, but I’m also a person.”

Fans who connected with Positions from the start voiced their disappointment at missing out on the additional content Grande scrapped in response to the negative feedback. In hindsight, the album has taken on new meaning both for Grande and her fans, highlighting the complexity of artistic growth and public perception.

ARIANA GRANDE SCRAPPED THE POSITIONS ERA AND EVERYTHING RELATED TO THAT ALBUM BECAUSE THIS FUCKING FANDOM MADE HER THINK WE HATED IT, I HOPE YALL NEVER FIND PEACE pic.twitter.com/MPaRoZfv4V

— franco (@vanniloner) November 6, 2024

You can listen to the full interview here.