I definitely take influences from my idols David Bowie and Billy Joel. I've combined them with the Frankie Grande-isms that I've cultivated over singing every night for two shows a week for four years on Broadway.
Anything that has a dragon, a wand, pixie dust, fairies, magic, any of that, I love it. I'm obsessed with it, I will read it, I will watch it, I will commit it to memory.
I showed my nana, who lives in Delray, my writeup in the 'New York Times,' and she said, 'When will you be in the 'Sun Sentinel?'
I basically raised her. Ariana and I are 10 years apart, and she grew up with a really gay brother who just loves her unconditionally, and it's reciprocated.
My first audition ever was for 'Bye Bye Birdie' in fifth grade.
I'm obsessed with Maggie Smith - the way that she can be the most brilliant actress in every single situation and then do Harry Potter, and still make me cry while she's casting spells with a wand?
