Ariana Grande Honored with Rising Star Award, Credits ‘Botox and Juvederm’ in Acceptance Speech
Ariana Grande expressed gratitude towards two special “friends” during her acceptance speech for her first significant award of the year.
“Thank you all so much,” the 31-year-old Wicked star remarked to the audience at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival on Friday, January 3, where she received the rising star award presented by Jennifer Coolidge of The White Lotus.
“You have no idea how much this means to me,” Grande continued. “Having performed since childhood, I never imagined that at 31, I would once again hear the term ‘rising star.’ Therefore, I’d like to start by thanking my two friends: Botox and Juvederm.”
Her humorous remark evoked laughter from the crowd as she added, “I thought I’d be hearing ‘slightly withering star’ or ‘drooping star’ by now, so thank you.”
In September 2023, Grande disclosed to Vogue that she had undergone Botox and “a ton” of lip filler over the years, but had ceased both treatments in 2018.
“Growing up with so many opinions about my appearance made it challenging to discern what was worth absorbing,” she explained at the time. “At 17, you just don’t understand that yet.”
During her speech on Friday, Grande also expressed gratitude to Wicked director and “fearless leader” Jon M. Chu, in addition to her co-star and “brilliant sister” Cynthia Erivo, who played Elphaba to Grande’s Glinda in the 2024 movie musical. Grande shared that comedy was her first love, even before she rose to fame as a pop star.
“Playing Glinda the Good was not only a great honor but felt like a homecoming,” Grande explained. “For those unaware, I started in stand-up comedy. My first paid performance was in our living room in Boca Raton, Fla., [to entertain] my grandparents. I was 4 years old, and my mom handed me $5.”
She went on, “I learned early that laughter is one of our greatest forms of escape, and I remember the infectious joy it brought not just to others but how it nourished me as well. Over the past decade, while focused on music, I deeply missed that feeling. It truly feels like the start of a new chapter.”
The Grammy winner has also received nominations for a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award for her role as Galinda, aka Glinda the Good, in Wicked: Part One.
“In Wicked, Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Glinda showcases her exceptional talents with a powerful performance that beautifully merges her musical prowess, brilliant character work, and impeccable comedic timing,” Palm Springs Film Festival chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi remarked in a statement acknowledging the singer/actress’s accolade.
“Ariana is an iconic global performer who has smoothly transitioned into film with her first major leading role, establishing herself as a multifaceted and undeniable talent,” Chandi added. “This role is sure to be the beginning of an array of accolades she will receive throughout her acting career. It is our privilege to honor Ariana Grande with the Rising Star Award.”
