Ariana Grande and Drew Barrymore got emotional while addressing the negative aspects of being famous in a “dark and ugly” industry.
Grande appeared on Thursday’s episode of “The Drew Barrymore Show,” where she expressed how much she “admire[s]“ the fellow actress during their intimate interview.
“I don’t know too much about what your relationship has been to this industry this whole time, but I do know what you have shared publicly about it, and I just have to say, it can be ugly sometimes,” the “Wicked” star said, keeping her gaze directly on Barrymore.
“Your strength and your heart and who you are and the light that you bring and your ability to dance in the rain and preserve that childlike wonder is such a gift.”
Barrymore, 49, appeared stunned by the gesture and teared up as she went into hug Grande, 31, from across the couch.
“I just wanted to say that because I admire you so much,” Grande continued through tears. “Not only because of your brilliant work, but because of the light that you bring and how happy you make people. That’s really the most important thing, and I had to say that.”
Barrymore still seemed caught off guard by the candid compliments and continued getting emotional while telling Grande how “that means so much” to her.
“I, as a mother, look at you so proud that my daughters and I love you so much,” Barrymore, who shares two kids with ex-husband Will Kopelman, said in response.
“You’re such a good person, and what you’ve done with this film [’Wicked’] and your life and your work is, you’ve shown [that] no matter what –– because it can be dark and ugly sometimes –– is that you just find that beauty.”
The “Charlie’s Angels” actress went on to praise the “7 Rings” singer for being herself when it’s “so hard and confusing for every human being on this planet” to know who they are.
“You put out a film that literally, in this world, brings people together,” Barrymore expressed. “Do you know what an accomplishment that is? Oh my God!”
The A-listers continued their emotional conversation by going into detail about the struggles they’ve faced as “tremendous people pleasers” over the years.
“Sometimes when we are tired or giving too much, it’s OK to have a boundary in a loving and respectful way,” Grande assured Barrymore. “Boundaries will save your life, and the most loving thing to do is say, ‘Hi, I’m Drew Barrymore, and I’m tired today.’”
Barrymore’s interview with Grande turned emotional several times –– including when Barrymore surprised Grande by presenting her with the famed wand from the original 1939 version of “The Wizard of Oz.”
