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Rapper JT Confirms Her Little Brother Passed Away

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Heartbreaking news, rapper JT confirms her brother has passed away. Nothing is worse than losing a loved one during the holiday season. Days after celebrating her 32nd birthday, the rapper mourns her little brother’s tragic death. The Miami rapper went to Twitter to speak about the struggles of losing a sibling but having to be strong for the family, “Lost my little brother & being the oldest I really didn’t get a fair chance to grieve because I have to make sure he go away nice & my mom is happy.….I love you JR”

Following her initial tweet about her passing, another one said, “I pray you’re somewhere so safe and comfortable.”

Prior to the sad news, JT threw a big birthday party, and everyone was hype when Yung Miami showed up. The two had some drama in the past, but seeing them together made it clear the beef was over. They were laughing, and vibing, and fans were loving it. It looked like everything was good between them now, and everyone was here for it. The moment went viral, and people were excited to see them back on good terms. Things to a quick turn after her birthday with the tragic news of her little brother’s passing.

It is currently not confirmed how her brother passed away. At this difficult time, we want to send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to JT and her family as they navigate through this painful moment.  More news to come as the story develops.

14 Celebrity-Approved Picks to Shop From Walmart, From Leopard Print Blankets to Hollywood Handbags

From Snoop Dogg’s surprisingly stylish clothing line to Sabrina Carpenter’s favorite fragrance, here’s what we’re picking up from Walmart this season.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

The holidays are here and Walmart has unveiled some of its top trending picks for the season.

In addition to a host of everyday gifts for the whole family, Walmart’s latest “gift finder” has turned up some bestselling celebrity products and musician-approved offerings.

From Snoop Dogg’s surprisingly stylish clothing line to Sabrina Carpenter’s favorite fragrance and a leopard print pick from Sofia Vergara, here’s a look at some of the best celebrity brands and gifts to pick up at Walmart right now.

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Sabrina Carpenter Caramel Dream EDP Fragrance Gift Set

She may have sung about “Espresso,” but Sabrina Carpenter’s new fragrance features notes of caramel, dark chocolate, tangy citrus and almond. It’s sweet and a little spicy — just like the singer herself.

This Walmart deal gets you a three-piece set that includes the eau de parfum in a candy bar-shaped bottle, a mini travel size perfume and a lip gloss.

Ariana Grande Moonlight Gift Set

Of course, Carpenter isn’t the only starlet with her own perfume line — Ariana Grande has been super successful with her line of fragrances, including this “Moonlight” scent, which features notes of blackcurrant, plum, peonies, sandalwood, vanilla and “fluffy marshmallow.”

This two-piece gift set gets you a body mist and “body soufflee” cream for just $15.

Squishmallows Plush Wicked Glinda

Grande is currently starring in Wicked of course, and among all the Wicked merch online is this official Squishmallows collab, which features a plush version of Grande’s character, Glinda.

This plush toy measures 10 inches in height and weighs just under a pound. This is currently one of Walmart’s bestselling holiday gifts, with more than 500 people having bought this in the last 24 hours alone, per the Walmart site.

OPI Nail Lacquer, Wicked Nail Polish Duo

$12.50

$23.99

48% off

Speaking of Wicked, Walmart has this nail polish set with shades inspired by the movie. Choose a magenta shade inspired by Glinda and a green shade inspired by Elphaba. The shimmery colors are perfect for a Wicked viewing party or for dressing up for the holidays. OPI says the nail lacquers dry fast and are streak-free. This set comes in a collectible box with images from the movie too.

Dolly Parton x Lodge Cast Iron Seasoned Skillet

Dolly Parton released a cookbook this fall and recently released a meal kit collab with Home Chef. Now, aspiring cooks and Dolly fans alike can take to the kitchen with this Parton-approved cast iron pan.

The 10.25-inch skillet comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil and is an officially-licensed release from the singer. Made in Tennessee, the pan is great for home ovens and stoves, or for cooking over the campfire.

Martha Stewart Martha on the Mantel

Speaking of cooking, Martha Stewart is joining Snoop Dogg in releasing her own version of the popular “Elf on the Shelf” doll. “Martha on the Mantel” is a 10.5-inch posable doll that you can put on your shelf, table and yes, fireplace mantel too.

This boxed set gets you the plush Martha doll plus a set of accessories for you to dress up the TV host and her surroundings.

Hello Kitty Mini Fridge

From one icon to another, Hello Kitty celebrated her 50th anniversary this year, and Walmart has this Hello Kitty mini fridge available for gifting this holiday season.

The pink mini fridge has enough room to store up to six cans of soda (on their side) or a couple bottles of water (standing up). You can also use it as a beauty fridge to store all your skincare essentials and prevent them from going bad in the heat or sun.

This is an officially licensed Sanrio product and shoppers are loving it, with reviewers giving this Hello Kitty fridge almost full, five-star reviews.

Beautiful 9 Qt TriZone Air Fryer

Drew Barrymore’s home and kitchen brand, “Beautiful,” has gone viral for its aesthetic appliances and decor items for every budget and living style. One of the bestselling products is this nine-quart air fryer, which features two different cooking zones to let you prep two things at once.

Inviting friends over for a big holiday meal? The Beautiful Air Fryer can fit up to a 10-pound turkey when the interior basket is removed, with a temperature range up to 450°F. Choose from seven different colors, including this soft lavender shade seen here.

W By Jake Paul Body Wash

Guys will want to stay fresh with this new body wash from Jake Paul’s “W” skincare brand. The exfoliating and hydrating body wash is infused with jojoba oils for moisture, and an invigorating scent of lemon trees, green apple and fresh mint.

Walmart says all of the products in the “W” line are personally tested and approved by Paul, and given that the YouTube star recently got sweaty in the ring with Mike Tyson, we’ll take his word that this body wash holds up to daily use. A bonus: the 532 ml yellow bottle makes a great stocking stuffer too.

Sofia Vergara Home Classic Leopard Throw Blanket

Sofia Vergara’s Walmart clothing line has been a huge hit thanks to its wide range of bold colors and inclusive sizing. Now, fans of the actress can get the same maximalist look with this leopard print throw blanket, which looks great on the bed or couch.

The polyester-blend blanket measures 50 x 60 inches and is fully machine washable. It’s great for staying cozy by the fireplace or on the couch while watching your favorite Christmas movies. At just $18, it’s a great celeb-approved gift idea too.

Jessica Simpson Women’s Courtney Faux Leather Satchel Handbag

$19.99

$34

41% off

Walmart is home to Jessica Simpson’s bestselling clothing and accessories collection, which the site says combines “Cali boho” with “Texas charm.” Nowhere is that better represented than with this trendy satchel handbag, which features a slouchy silhouette seen on the arms of all the celebs in Hollywood, but with an under-$20 price.

Made from a eco-friendly vegan leather, this “Courtney” handbag features zipper and buckle detailing, tons of space for your stuff, and an adjustable strap that lets you carry this as a tote, as a shoulder bag or as a crossbody. Choose from three colors.

Dogg Supply Paisley Fleece Varsity Jacket

$12.01

$26.98

55% off

Snoop Dogg’s official clothing line at Walmart includes this super stylish varsity jacket, which features a paisley print with collegiate-style striping and button up closure. The lightweight jacket can be worn open with a T-shirt in the summer or closed as a layering piece in chiller temps. An embroidered Snoop Dogg logo on the arm offers a little branding without being too over the top. This is a great celeb-approved holiday gift idea for men. Choose from sizes XS to 3XL.

Yellowstone Adjustable Snapback Trucker

Yellowstone is one of the hottest TV shows of the year, and Walmart has this official Yellowstone Dutton Ranch trucker hat on sale for just $12. The cap features the show logo on the front with a pre-curved bill. The mesh back allows for breathability (no sweaty noggins here!) while an adjustable tab lets this fit most head sizes.

HMD Barbie Phone

Barbie merch was huge last holiday season and the juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down this year, with the release of the HMD Barbie Flip Phone, a retro-style device that works as a real cell phone.

The Barbie Phone comes in an iconic pink colorway and features two removable covers, stickers and a pendant with rhinestones and charms. The phone doesn’t have social media but does come with “digital wellbeing tips,” a beach-themed Malibu Snake, and a “Hi Barbie” voice to welcome you as you turn on the device. Everything is presented inside a keepsake jewelry box.

DOJ Rips Memphis Cops’ Use Of Excessive Force On Black People

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Memphis Awaits Release Of Police Body Cam Video Of Tyre Nichols' Arrest Prior To His Death Days Later

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The Department of Justice issued a report detailing the numerous abuses by the Memphis Police Department based on their investigation after the death of Tyre Nichols.

On Wednesday (Dec. 4), the Department of Justice released a scathing report containing the findings of an investigation into the Memphis Police Department, revealing that the department “engages in a pattern or practice of using excessive force, conducting unlawful stops, searches and arrests and discriminatory policing of Black people and residents with behavioral health disabilities,” according to DOJ’s Civil Rights Division Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. The department began its investigation 17 months after the beating death of Tyre Nichols by Memphis Police officers in 2023 after a traffic stop.

The report went into detail on how officers would employ excessive force “almost immediately in response to low-level, nonviolent offenses, even when people are not aggressive.” One example detailed how nine police cruisers and 12 officers responded to a call of a mentally ill person who stole a $2 soft drink from a gas station, using a Taser and pepper spray in the process. Another data point by Clarke highlighted the disparity of police interactions between Black and white residents, where she noted: “MPD cites or arrests Black adults for marijuana possession at 5.2 times the rate of White adults.” Another instance detailed how a Memphis Police officer picked up an 8-year-old with behavioral issues and tossed him onto a couch. These were in addition to “inconsistencies” between written reports and body camera footage.

The city of Memphis held a press conference to respond to the findings of the report. “In the last three years we have changed over 700 policies… that help to direct process, help to improve officer response. Community engagement has been a significant part of the work we have been doing,” said Memphis Police Department Chief Cerelyn “C.J” Davis. Davis is Black, as is 50% of the police department, including the five officers involved in beating Nichols. Memphis City Attorney Tannera George Gibson stated that the city had been presented with a consent decree granting further federal oversight over the department, but it declined in a letter, writing: “Until the City has had the opportunity to review, analyze, and challenge the specific allegations that support your forthcoming findings report, the City cannot — and will not — agree to work toward or enter into a consent decree that will likely be in place for years to come and will cost the residents of Memphis hundreds of millions of dollars.”

Kristen Welker Nabs First Donald Trump Post-Election Interview

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President-elect Donald Trump has agreed to sit down with NBC’s Kristen Welker for his first network interview after winning the 2024 election last month.

According to reports, Donald Trump has agreed to sit down with Meet The Press moderator Kristen Welker for his first network interview since being reelected to the White House in last month’s presidential election. The interview with Welker will take place Friday (Dec. 6), and will be recorded and aired Sunday (Dec. 8), during the 10:30 a.m. time slot that Meet The Press usually airs in, as announced by NBC.

Trump and Welker have a turbulent history as interviewer and subject. Welker interviewed him for Meet The Press in September 2023, which would be Trump’s only major network appearance. Welker was taken to task by critics for not firmly fact-checking Trump on his talking points, which included immigration and the policies of his then-Republican primary opponent, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. That interview stood out among his appearances on Fox News networks and with podcast hosts such as Joe Rogan and Adin Ross during the presidential election cycle.

Welker was also attacked by Trump as being “biased” before his debate against then-Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in September 2020. He’d later praise her during the debate, hosted by NBC News. “By the way, so far, I respect very much the way you’re handling this. I have to say,” he said at the debate stage in Belmont, Tennessee. She also sparred with Vice President-elect JD Vance over his backpedaling on abortion after his debate in October.

The interview is significant as other outlets are plotting on how to cover and approach Trump, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to get revenge on those whom he felt had wronged him. Most recently, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, the hosts of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, have been under constant criticism after they visited Mar-a-Lago last month after the election. Scarborough blasted critics of the meeting in a 20-minute rant Thursday morning (Dec. 5), claiming that other networks are plotting out their own sit-downs with Trump. “Do we judge CNN for doing it? No,” he said. “You know why? It’s their jobs! Grow up! It’s their jobs. The only thing we did that caused this Twitter storm is we told you. Now, if you’d prefer that we don’t tell you everything that we do that’s fine. But we just thought in this case that transparency was best.”

Doechii Put On A Helluva Performance On ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’

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On the heels of receiving four Grammy Award nominations just a few weeks ago, TDE’s up-and-coming artist Doechii took her talents to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and showed everyone in the audience and viewers at home why she’s going to be a problem for years to come.

Taking to the stage with two look-alike back-up dancers decked out in some spiffy Gucci attire and interlinked braids (that was a dope touch), Doechii performed her hit singles “Denial Is A River” and “Boiled Peanuts” much to the delight of the crowd. After giving a captivating performance you can understand why she’s up for Best New Artist and even has her album Alligator Bites Never Heal up for Best Rap Album of 2024. While she has some stiff competition in the likes of Drake and Eminem, we’re sure she’s honored to even be in the running.

Check out Doechii do her thing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Dolly Parton Launches Open Casting Call For Her ‘Dolly: An Original Musical’ Broadway Show

Dolly Parton wants to give you the chance to slip into her fabulous footsteps. On Thursday (Dec. 5), the country icon and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer announced an open internet casting call for her upcoming Broadway show, Dolly: An Original Musical.

“Hey there, it’s Dolly, and I am so excited to share some big news with y’all,” she said in a video announcing the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “As you may have heard, my life story is coming to Broadway… and now, I’m announcing the search for Dolly. Now, whether you’re chasing your dreams from a small town or you’ve spent years performing on stages across the country, I want to give you the chance to help me bring my story to Broadway — and maybe even play me. This show is a celebration of my music, my life and all the amazing people who’ve been with me along the way.”

Parton, 78, stressed that the call was truly open to anyone. “We’re looking for talented performers who can capture the spirit of my journey, whether you’re an experienced theater professional or an undiscovered gem with that little special something.”

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A select few will get to audition in person in front of the show’s casting director, with all interested performers encouraged to go to dollymusical.com to submit an audition, as well as post their audition online using the hashtag #SearchForDolly. “So what are you waiting for? This might be your big moment!” Parton said.

Back in June, Parton announced the musical — which was then referred to as Hello, I’m Dolly: An Original Musical — which she said was set to open in 2026. “I tried for years, how to do my life story and make it make sense. I needed to write some original music. I’m hoping you’re gonna laugh and cry,” Parton said at the time of the show that will featured her best-known songs as well as new ones penned for the musical.

Watch Parton’s casting call video below.

Will Smith Says His Relationship With Alfonso Ribeiro Changed His Life

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Whenever Will Smith tells his story expect some flowers to be given to those that helped him. He says his relationship with Alfonso Ribeiro changed his life.

As per HuffPost, the Philadelphia, Penn., native recently made an appearance on Vice’s Black Comedy in America series. During the in depth interview the multi-hyphenate discussed the many people that helped him during his historic career. When discussing his run as a rapper he made sure to highlight his partner DJ Jazzy Jeff. “There’s been a couple of creative relationships I’ve had that have totally transformed my life. And the first one was Jazzy Jeff,” Will Smith explained.

When it came to acting he revealed that meeting his The Fresh Prince of Bel Air co-star Alfonso Ribeiro was a game changer. “When you meet somebody who understands you in a way that other people don’t understand you. And they’re able to understand you, then craft things for you to create and shine and explode. And Alfonso was that guy for sure” he said.

The “Summertime” rapper went on to detail that the man who would go on to be forever known as Carlton Banks has always been special. “When he came in for the audition, there was like no question. That’s the one,” Will added. “Nobody commits as hard as Alf. We call it the ‘comedic limb.’ You know where you gon’ try this joke and you gon’ go out there with it, and you gon’ risk it all. And one of his big things, why he would commit so hard with the lines, he says, ‘You commit so the writers can know it doesn’t work.’”

You can see Will Smith discuss Alfonso Ribeiro below.

Cardi B Responds To Criticism Of Her Deal With Shein

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If we know anything about Cardi B it’s that she’s all about getting that bag. But when she revealed her latest endorsement of clothing brand Shein, people reacted with shock and criticism as the “W.A.P.” rapper is known for rocking high-end clothing brands.

As surprising as it was to see Cardi B co-sign a clothing brand that many people wouldn’t admit to wearing just because it’s, well, “cheap,” some people began to roast Cardi for daring to promote affordable coats and jackets, saying she must be strapped for cash if she’s willing to go this route. “Shien?!?! Are you kidding me. That’s embarrassing,” one commenter said. Still, many others came to her defense in the comments section reminding people that Cardi came from the bottom to the top responding with comments like, “She humble she grew up hustling she buys shein and. Nothing wrong with it and she paired it with red bottoms she knows.”

Not one to take any disrespect lying down, Buzzfeed is reporting that Cardi addressed her haters herself by going on X Spaces and reminding everyone she’s still getting plenty of money.

Per Buzzfeed:

“People say that I’m surviving on Shein deals and brand deals,” she began. “Y’all like to talk about tour deals a lot. I want to let y’all know I could wake up tomorrow, sign a contract, and have half of $65 million — or half of $70 million – in my bank.”

Adding that she was offered that much on her “off year,” she continued, “I don’t want to take tour deals until I announce my album. When I announce my new album I know they’re going to up it. You’ve got to move smart like a bitch. You can’t act like you’re hungry, especially when you’re not.”

“I’m not surviving, baby. Spend like about $3 million in a month,” Cardi said, later adding that she’s waiting for an $80 or $100 million deal. “As long as my bills is paid, I can buy whatever the fuck I want whenever the fuck I want. Shit, I can go spend $500,000 on a fucking car tomorrow. I could buy me a $300,000 watch tomorrow. Bitch, I could buy your mother.”

Yeah, don’t try to slander Cardi’s money moves cause she will respond.

What do y’all think about Cardi B’s Shein deal? Is she too big of a star to go that route or do y’all think it’s much ado about nothing? Sound off in the comments section below.

Coldplay ‘All My Love’ Music Video Celebrates Dick Van Dyke’s Life & Career for 99th Birthday

Chris Martin and Coldplay are giving all their love to Dick Van Dyke on the legendary performer’s 99th birthday.

On Friday (Dec. 6), the rock band unveiled a short-film-style music video for its Moon Music ballad “All My Love” focusing on the Hollywood icon’s life and career as Van Dyke celebrates his last double-digit trip around the sun. Directed by Spike Jonze and Mary Wigmore, the seven-minute visual shows the Mary Poppins star limberly dancing in a suit and bare feet, showing off his infectious sense of humor and offering up musings about his personal journey in between shots of Martin playing piano.

“I’m acutely aware that I could go any day now,” Van Dyke says at one point while looking back on old family photos and heirlooms from his expansive filmography. “But I don’t know why, it doesn’t concern me. I’m not afraid of it. I have that feeling — totally against anything intellectual I have — that I’m gonna be all right.”

The project was filmed at the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang actor’s house in Malibu. Toward the end, he’s joined by his extended family, who applaud and give the patriarch hugs during the track’s high point.

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On Thursday night, Martin and Van Dyke appeared side by side on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to share how the video came together. “To tell you the truth, I didn’t know who he was,” Van Dyke told Kimmel about the call to make the video with the band. “I didn’t know who you were,” Martin quipped back with a big smile. “I said, ‘we’re looking for an old guy. Who’s the oldest guy?’”

Martin then admitted that he’s a “super fan” of the Hollywood legend and revealed that Van Dyke is (kind of) a neighbor and one day a few years ago he invited the legend over for breakfast. In fact, the singer then busted out what he said is his one and only impression: the dry laugh that Van Dyke did as old banker Mr. Dawes in Mary Poppins, which cracked the actor up.

“This really may be the most fun thing I’ve ever done. It makes me so grateful,” Martin said. “It’s a big deal for me.”

A shorter version of the visual will arrive Dec. 13, the date Van Dyke officially turns 99.

The day prior, Coldplay will make its performance debut at the Billboard Music Awards live from the band’s Music of the Spheres World Tour stop in Australia. The “All My Love” music video comes about two months after Coldplay dropped its 10th studio album, Moon Music, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

Ariana Grande Says Nobody Has the Right ‘To Say S–t’ About Her Body: ‘I’ve Heard Every Version of It’

Ariana Grande has been in the spotlight for more than half of her life. In an interview with YouTube personality Sally this week, the Wicked star got very candid about what that has felt like, specifically how it feels to constantly have strangers evaluating and judging her body. And, in a super honest moment, she had a simple message for people who do that.

“There’s a comfortability people have with commenting on that [my body] that I think is really dangerous. And I think it’s dangerous for all parties involved,” she said, as her Wicked co-star, Cynthia Erivo, held the singer’s hand and comforted her as she appeared on the verge of tears while answering a question about the struggle for women to live up to society’s exacting, often unreasonable, beauty standards

“I’ve been kind of doing this in front of the public and kind of been a specimen in a petri dish since I was 16 or 17, so I have heard it all,” Grande said. “I’ve heard every version of it… of what’s wrong with me. And then you fix it, and then it’s wrong for different reasons. But that’s everything from – even just the simplest thing – your appearance, you know?”

Trending on Billboard

Grande, 31, said it’s hard to protect yourself from that noise and it’s uncomfortable no matter where you experience such pressures. “Even if you go to Thanksgiving dinner, and someone’s granny says, ‘Oh my God, you look skinnier! What happened?’ or ‘You look heavier! What happened?’” she said. “That is something that’s uncomfortable and horrible no matter where it’s happening… and I think in today’s society there’s a comfortability that we shouldn’t have, at all, commenting on other’s looks, appearance, what they think is going on behind the scenes, or health, or how they present themselves.”

Getting animated, Grande said those kinds of judgements about what women are wearing and how their bodies and faces look are “dangerous.” She counted herself lucky to have a good support system that allows her to “know and trust that I am beautiful… but I do know what the pressure of that noise feels like… I just don’t invite it in anymore. It’s not welcome. I have work to do. I have a life to live. I have friends to love on, I have so much love and it’s not invited.”

She added that however you have to block that noise out, whether it’s deleting a toxic social app or blocking trolls online, “you keep yourself safe. Because no one has the right to say s–t!”

The latter comment drew a clap from host Sally, as well as an “amen” seconded by Erivo. “Can you tell I needed that today?” Grande said with a smile as Erivo grabbed her arm and displayed yet another example of the way the two women have openly supported and big-upped each other during the exhaustive press tour in support of the hit movie musical which has already rolled up $372.9 million in ticket sales so far.

Grande has spoken before about fans’ concerns over her appearance, including in a TikTok video last year in which she had similar thoughts about people’s concerns about her body.

“I think we should be gentler and less comfortable commenting on people’s bodies — no matter what. If you think you’re saying something good or well-intentioned, whatever it is. Healthy, unhealthy, big, small, this, that, sexy, not sexy, I don’t… We just shouldn’t. We should really work towards not doing that as much,” she said at the time.

“But I also just wanted to say one, there are many different kinds of beautiful,” she added. “There are many different ways to look healthy and beautiful. I know personally for me, the body that you’ve been comparing my current body to was the unhealthiest version of my body. I was on a lot of anti-depressants, and drinking on them and eating poorly, and at the lowest point of my life when I looked the way you consider my ‘healthy.’ But that, in fact, wasn’t my healthy. I know I shouldn’t have to explain that, but I do feel like maybe having an openness and some sort of vulnerability here, something good might come from it.”

Check out Grande and Erivo’s interview with Sally below.