Ariana Grande Receives Rising Star Award Thanks to 'Botox and Juvederm'

Ariana Grande thanked two special “friends” while accepting his first major award of the year.

“Thank you guys so much,” the 31-year-old “Wicked” star told the crowd at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival on Friday, Jan. 3, where she was presented with the Rising Star Award. White lotus star Jennifer Coolidge.

“You don't know how much this means to me,” Grande continued. “I've been performing since I was a kid, so I never thought I'd hear the words 'rising star' again at the age of 31, so I wanted to start by thanking my two friends: Botox and Juvederm.”

The audience laughed at Grande's quip as she added: “I thought I was going to hear 'a little wilting star' or 'a drooping star' now, so thank you.”

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Ariana Grande credits her evil character Cynthia Erivo with helping her “heal certain parts.” Grande, 31, and Erivo, 37, opened up about their friendship in an interview with The New York Times published Wednesday, Nov. 6. “I feel really inspired by her fierce ability to be true and protect herself,” (…)

In September 2023, Grande revealed Vogue that she's had botox and a “ton” of lip fillers over the years, but there was stopped using both in 2018.

“When you're exposed to so many voices at a young age, and especially when people have things to say about your appearance at a young age, it's really hard to know what's worth hearing or not,” she explained at the time. “When you're 17, you don't really know it yet.”

In her speech on Friday, Grande also offered her thanks Evil director and “fearless leader” John M. Chuas well as her costar and “brilliant sister” Cynthia Erivowho portrayed Elphaba Grande to Glinda in the 2024 film musical. She went on to say that comedy was her first love, even before she became a pop star.

“Being able to play the good Glinda was not only the honor of my life, but it felt like a homecoming,” Grande continued. “For those of you who don't know, I started out in stand-up comedy. My first professional gig was in our living room in Boca Raton, Fla., (to entertain) my grandparents. I was 4 years old and my mom gave me $5.

She continued, “I learned early on that laughter is one of our greatest escapes, and I remember how infectious it was not only on the people in my life, but how it fed me in return. And for the last 10 years, when I really got into music, I really missed that feeling. So it really feels like the beginning of a new chapter.

The Grammy winner is also nominated for a Golden Globe and a Critics' Choice Award for her portrayal of Galinda, or Glinda the Good, in the film. Wicked: Part One.

“Inside EvilAriana Grande's Glinda takes her to new heights with a powerful performance that perfectly combines her exceptional musical talent, superb acting and impeccable comedic timing,” Palm Springs Film Festival host. Nachhattar Singh Chandi said a notification in honor of the singer/actress.

“Ariana is an iconic global performer who has seamlessly transitioned to film in her first major lead role, proving herself to be a versatile and undeniable talent,” continued Chandy. “This role is sure to be the beginning of the many accolades she will receive throughout her acting career. We are honored to recognize Ariana Grande with the Rising Star Award.