Marc Malkin, a red carpet correspondent for “Variety”, found himself at the center of a social media storm following an awkward interaction with Ariana Grande at the 2025 Golden Globes. The exchange, which involved an impromptu request for Ariana to sing, left many viewers cringing and sparked a wave of criticism online.
The moment occurred as Malkin interviewed Grande, who was attending the ceremony as a nominee for her role as Glinda in the film adaptation of “Wicked”. In what was likely meant as a lighthearted gesture, Malkin asked Grande to sing with him, saying, “I want you to sing for me a little bit. I’ll sing with you.” Ariana, visibly flustered but polite, responded with a shy, “Oh my goodness, no!” and jokingly suggested he start.
Malkin then launched into Carole King’s “You’ve Got A Friend”. Grande applauded his enthusiasm but demurred, saying, “I’m still in Oz,” referencing her “Wicked” character. Malkin attempted to pivot, adding a quip about opening for Ariana and referencing her focus on acting over touring—a comment that further polarized viewers.
The internet, as it often does, weighed in swiftly. Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their discomfort, calling Malkin’s approach “cringe” and “obnoxious.” Many found his insistence on getting celebrities to sing on the red carpet tiresome.
One user commented, “Stop making everyone uncomfortable by making them sing #GoldenGlobes,” while another wrote, “Why is Marc Malkin so annoying? Asking every person the same question is tired.”
Some reactions were more cutting: “Who TF is this interviewer, the most awkward, cringey, creepy dude you could find?” Another suggested, “Maybe we should stop letting Marc Malkin on red carpets.”
Despite the awkwardness, Grande handled the situation with her signature poise, steering the conversation back to her stunning vintage Givenchy gown and its nod to her “Wicked” role. Later, she expressed gratitude for being at the Golden Globes among such esteemed talent, including her excitement over meeting stars like Jodie Foster and Ralph Fiennes.
While Grande didn’t take home a Golden Globe, she celebrated “Wicked”’s recognition with a Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award. Earlier in the week, she was honored with the Rising Star award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, showcasing her growing accolades in both music and film.
Malkin’s misstep serves as a reminder that the line between playful banter and discomfort can be thin, especially with celebrities balancing professional demands and public scrutiny.
While some viewers may see the incident as a harmless attempt at levity, the overwhelming backlash suggests that audiences—and celebrities—appreciate a touch more tact on the red carpet. For Ariana Grande, the moment will likely be a footnote in an otherwise stellar awards season. For Marc Malkin, it’s a cue to fine-tune his approach.
