Ariana Grande’s ‘proud’ moment sparks ‘disappointing’ reactions from Taylor Swift fans as the pop queens battle for #1

Over the weekend, Braun shared a heartfelt post praising Grande’s performance. He called her “born for this moment” and commended her talent and dedication, even mentioning how much he enjoyed her rendition of “Popular.” Accompanying his words was a photo featuring Braun, Grande, and her co-star Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba. Grande, despite having parted ways with Braun’s management in 2023, responded graciously in the comments, reflecting on the “special memories” they shared and thanking him for his support.

The Swiftie Backlash

While Grande’s comments seemed innocuous, they didn’t sit well with Swift’s loyal fans. Their reaction stems from the highly publicized 2019 fallout between Swift and Braun, after he acquired the masters of Swift’s first six albums through Big Machine Records—a deal Swift said occurred without her consent. This feud led Swift to embark on her Taylor’s Version re-recording project, reclaiming ownership of her music.

Some Swift fans interpreted Grande’s acknowledgment of Braun as a betrayal, pointing out that she worked with him for much of her career, even amid Swift’s allegations. Critics flooded social media, labeling Grande “fake” and accusing her of showing loyalty to someone Swift claimed had “manipulated” artists. Comments like, “This was the last straw for me,” and “Ariana should have dropped Scooter long ago,” reflected their disappointment.

A Divide Among Fans

Despite the uproar, Grande’s defenders quickly came to her aid. They argued that her response was simply a polite acknowledgment of someone who played a significant role in her career. One fan wrote, “She’s just thanking him for supporting her dream role. This is not the betrayal you’re making it out to be.” Others highlighted that Grande and Swift have consistently supported one another’s work.

No Real Feud Between the Stars

While their fanbases might clash, there’s no actual animosity between Grande and Swift. The two pop icons have shared moments of mutual respect over the years. For instance, Grande recently celebrated tying Swift’s record for the most Billboard Hot 100 number-one debuts, commenting, “Good company.” Swift, on the other hand, has previously praised Grande’s performances, including complimenting her at the 2014 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

Though the fans might be manufacturing drama, Grande and Swift have maintained professionalism and admiration for each other’s careers. Who knows? This might even set the stage for a future collaboration that brings both fandoms together.