Ariana Grande, the pop sensation and ‘Wicked’ superstar, extended heartfelt thanks to her two very unique ‘friends’ while accepting her first major accolade of 2025 at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival. The 31 year old songstress received the Rising Star award from Jennifer Coolidge, known for The White Lotus and Legally Blonde, at the dazzling gala on Friday January 3.
Channeling her signature humour in a speech that captured hearts, she exclaimed, “Thank you guys so much,” according to UsWeekly, Ariana went on to express her disbelief: “You don’t know how much it means to me.”
She mused over her career, “I’ve been performing since I was a child, so I never thought at the age of 31 I would be hearing the words ‘rising star’ again, so I wanted to start by thanking my two friends: Botox and Juvederm.”
Grande’s playful jest was a nod to her September 2023 Vogue interview where she confessed to having used botox and “a ton” of lip filler over the years before ceasing both in 2018, reports The Mirror.
Ariana Grande has spoken candidly about the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, particularly the scrutiny over her appearance. “Being exposed to so many voices at a young age, and especially when people have things to say about your appearance at a young age, it’s really hard to know what’s worth hearing or not,” she shared.
“When you’re 17, you don’t really know that yet.”
In her acceptance speech, the star also expressed her admiration for her ‘Wicked’ co-star Cynthia Erivo, calling her a “brilliant sister” and praised director Jon M Chu as a “fearless leader” Reflecting on her career trajectory, Grande revealed that comedy was her first passion, even before her ascent to pop superstardom. “Being able to play Glinda the Good was not only the honour of my life but it felt like a homecoming,” she said.
“For those of you who don’t know, I started out in stand-up comedy. My first professional gig was in our living room in Boca Raton, Fla., [to entertain] my grandparents. I was 4 years old and my mom gave me $5.”
She went on to discuss how laughter has always been a vital escape for her, saying, “I learned early on that laughter was one of our greatest escapes and I remember the infectious impact that it had, not only on the people in my life, but how it fed me in return. And the past 10 years when I was really focused on music I really missed that feeling. So it really does feel like the beginning of a new chapter.”
Palm Springs Film Festival chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi explained why Ariana Grande was the deserving winner, stating: “In Wicked , Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Glinda elevates her to new heights with a powerful acting performance that beautifully combines her outstanding musical talent, brilliant characterisation and impeccable comedic timing.”
He further added: “Ariana is an iconic global performer, who has seamlessly transitioned to film in her first major starring role, proving herself to be a multifaceted and undeniable talent. This role is certain to be the beginning of the many accolades she will garner throughout her acting career. It is our great honour to recognise Ariana Grande with the Rising Star Award.”