United Kingdom, Dec. 9 -- Ariana Grande is "really thankful" for the impact Mac Miller had on her career.

The 32-year-old actress and singer has reflected on her late ex-boyfriend - who she dated from 2016 until 2018, when they split just four months before his tragic death aged 26 in September that year - and how he inspired her to make "R+B influenced pop music".

Speaking to students at Chapman University, Ariana said in a clip shared on TikTok: "I'm really thankful for that."

The Wicked star revealed she decided to get the Best Day Ever rapper on her track The Way because of his advice.

She added: "That's also part of why I was so eager to ask him to be a part of it.

"Not only because he was perfect for the song, but I also felt l...