It is easy to look at the photos from 2016 and see a Coachella daydream. You remember the ones—Ariana Grande, with her signature high ponytail, wrapped in the arms of Mac Miller, a guy who looked like he’d just stepped out of a hazy studio session in Pittsburgh. To the internet, they were the "perfect" musical power couple. But honestly, if you look closer at the timeline of Ariana Grande and Mac Miller, the reality was a lot more complicated, a lot more human, and frankly, a lot more tragic than a curated Instagram feed would ever let on.
People still talk about them. It’s 2026, and we are still dissecting the lyrics of "ghostin" and "thank u, next" as if they were ancient scrolls. Why? Because their story didn't just end with a breakup; it became a permanent part of the pop culture psyche when Mac passed away in September 2018.
The 2026 Perspective: It Started Long Before "The Way"
Most people think the spark flew when they filmed the music video for "The Way" in 2013. You know, the one where they finally kiss at the end? Cute. But Ariana recently shared a story during a 2026 podcast appearance that adds a whole new layer. She mentioned that Malcolm (she almost always calls him Malcolm now) was the one who basically saved her from being a "Nickelodeon puppet."
While she was still finishing up Sam & Cat, Mac was the person whispering in her ear to "be herself." He didn't just want her to sing pop; he encouraged her to embrace the R&B sounds she actually loved. He even told her to ditch the red hair dye from her TV days and go back to her natural brunette. Imagine that: the "Cool Kid" of the underground rap scene helping a TV star find her voice.
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They weren't "dating" then—at least not officially. Ariana once told Cosmopolitan they were just massive fans of each other's talent. They were 19. It was a "timing" thing. They weren't ready.
When Things Went Public (and Private)
By 2016, the timing finally aligned. They went public at the VMAs, and for two years, they were inseparable. But behind the scenes, things weren't all "Cinderella" (a song Mac wrote specifically about her).
There's this common misconception that Ariana was just a bystander to Mac's struggles with addiction. According to Paul Cantor’s biography Most Dope, she was actually his "rock." She would call his friends in a panic when he’d go MIA. She visited him in rehab. She was, in her own words, the "glue" holding things together. But eventually, the glue stopped being sticky.
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When they split in May 2018, the internet turned toxic. When Mac got a DUI shortly after, people actually blamed her. Ariana’s response was raw. She basically said: I am not a babysitter. You can love someone to death and still realize that you can’t fix them. It’s a hard truth most people don’t want to accept about their favorite celebs.
The "thank u, next" Era and the Weight of Grief
When Mac Miller died of an accidental overdose in September 2018, the world stopped for Ariana. She was engaged to Pete Davidson at the time, a "rebound" that she later admitted was a highly impulsive way to numb the pain.
Think about the sheer emotional chaos of that period. She's mourning "the dearest friend" she ever had while trying to plan a wedding with someone else. It's no wonder she broke off the engagement. The album thank u, next wasn't just a hit; it was a public breakdown set to a trap beat.
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Ariana Grande and Mac Miller are forever linked by the song "ghostin." If you listen to it, you can hear the guilt. She’s literally apologizing to the man in her bed (Pete) because she’s crying over the man who’s gone (Mac). It’s one of the most uncomfortably honest songs ever recorded.
Small Details Fans Still Miss
- The Dog: Ariana still has Myron, Mac’s Pitbull mix. He shows up in her music videos and on her stories constantly.
- The "Crickets": In the song "positions," there are cricket sounds right after she sings about "heaven sent you to me." Fans noted that Mac had an unreleased track called "Crickets." It’s a subtle nod that only the real ones catch.
- The Sound: In 2025, during a talk at Chapman University, Ari credited Mac for her entire musical identity. She said she had him to thank for finding her sound.
Why We Can't Let Go
The fascination persists because their story feels unfinished. There’s a segment of the internet that believes they would have found their way back to each other if he hadn't died. Mac’s friend Shane Powers even said on his podcast that Ariana was the most supportive person in Mac's life.
But we also have to respect the boundary. Ariana has moved on—she’s lived through a marriage, a divorce, and a starring role in Wicked. Yet, every time she performs "The Way" or wears a piece of his old clothing, it’s clear that Malcolm is still a "love letter to heaven" for her.
What to Take Away From Their Story
It’s easy to get lost in the "shipping" and the drama, but the story of Ariana Grande and Mac Miller is actually a pretty profound lesson in boundaries and grief.
- Love isn't a cure. You can give 100% of yourself to someone struggling with addiction, but you cannot be their sobriety.
- Grief isn't linear. You can be "over" a breakup but still be devastated by the loss of the person.
- Respect the art. Instead of digging for "tea," listen to Swimming and Eternal Sunshine. The answers are in the music.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the music they made together, start with "My Favorite Part" off Mac's album The Divine Feminine. It’s probably the most authentic glimpse into what they were like when the cameras weren't flashing. After that, check out the 10th-anniversary version of "The Way"—the orchestral strings over Mac's verse are enough to make anyone emotional.