Why Ariana Grande Thought She Was ‘Going to Be Murdered’ Meeting Her Idol

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek’s network of contributors Ariana Grande has long been open about her admiration for British singer and instrumentalist Imogen Heap. But she remembers being scared during their first encounter. In an interview with W Magazine published on Friday, January 3, Grande, 31, recalled when she first met the “Hide and Seek” singer, 47. “Imogen Heap is my idol—my No. 1 favorite musician, songwriter, producer of all time,” said the Wicked actress. “The first time I got a message from her, I thought I was being catfished.” DECEMBER 10: Ariana Grande, wearing CHANEL, attends the Academy Women’s Luncheon presented by CHANEL at the Academy Museum Of Motion Pictures on December 10, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. In a January 2025 interview, she… DECEMBER 10: Ariana Grande, wearing CHANEL, attends the Academy Women’s Luncheon presented by CHANEL at the Academy Museum Of Motion Pictures on December 10, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. In a January 2025 interview, she detailed being scared the first time she met her idol, Imogen Heap. Jon Kopaloff/WireImage Grande continued, “She invited me over, and I thought I was going to be murdered because I didn’t believe it was real.” Despite the initial scare, Grande remembers this day fondly. “[Heap] was so nice. She’s brilliant in every way.” Heap has also spoken of the first time she invited Grande to her home. In an August 2018 interview with Billboard, Heap also recalled Grande’s initial fear, saying “I think Ariana really thought that it was a big setup where she was going to get murdered.” The meeting evidently took place around her 21st birthday, and was set up by Grande’s mother. Upon arrival to Heap’s London home, Grande enjoyed dinner prepared by her idol. Imogen Heap at the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Imogen Heap at the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Timothy Norris/Getty Images “I knew she was coming so I cooked her some lentils because she’s a vegan,” Heap has said. “Tried to make something half-tasty.” Grande has paid homage to Heap many times in her career. Back in 2013, she uploaded a video of herself to YouTube covering Heap’s “Just For Now.” In 2017, Grande invited Heap to perform “Hide and Seek” at her One Love Manchester benefit concert following the Manchester attack. The following year, Grande interpolated Heap’s “Goodnight and Go” for a song called “Goodnight N Go” on her Sweetener album. Needless to say, the two have much respect for each other’s craft. Even if it came at the risk of being murdered.