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Ariana Grande, the pop sensation, has not been immune to the evolving trends in makeup and beauty standards, often leading to speculations about her race or ethnicity. However, beneath the transformative power of makeup, Grande’s heritage is well-defined, and she maintains a connection with her family’s background.
Ariana Grande’s ethnicity is Italian-American, with roots specifically traced to Sicilian and Abruzzese heritage. The very name “Grande” reflects her Italian background, and her familial ties to Italy go beyond the surface. The singer’s last name is inherited from her maternal grandfather on her mother’s side, and her grandmother, a Damico before becoming a Grande, adds an authentic Italian touch to her lineage. Grande affectionately refers to her grandmother as “Nonna,” the Italian term for Grandma, a nod to her Italian-American heritage even reflected in her Nickelodeon character’s relationships in the show Sam and Cat.
Despite Grande’s clear connection to her family’s Italian roots, she has found herself entangled in appearance controversies over the years, often related to her use of makeup. In 2019, she faced criticism for a “blackfishing” incident, where she was accused of bronzing her skin to match Nicki Minaj’s tone, a practice seen as an attempt to appear racially ambiguous. The controversy highlighted debates around the appropriation of features to appeal to different demographics.
In another incident, Grande faced backlash for appropriating a “blacccent” in the promotion of “thank u, next,” a move criticized for cultural appropriation and perpetuating negative stereotypes. Despite fans rallying to her defense, it wasn’t the last time she would be accused of misrepresenting her ethnicity.
In 2022, Grande faced yet another controversy, this time labeled as “Asianfishing,” during the promotion of her R.E.M. beauty line. The singer’s choice of makeup and styling was seen by some as resembling “yellowface” or engaging in racial role play, particularly influenced by K-pop fashion. While the incident generated buzz and accusations of race-baiting, Grande’s fans were quick to defend her, and the controversy had limited impact on her career.
These controversies underscore the complexities and sensitivities surrounding issues of race, ethnicity, and cultural appropriation in the realm of entertainment and celebrity culture.