Ariana Grande's Petal era is serving vocals, visuals, and plenty of online chatter, but it's not just the music that's grabbing attention.
The comparison has quickly gone viral, with many insisting their comments come from a place of concern rather than criticism. This is not the first time the 33-year-old pop star's health has sparked discussion online. Last year, during her Wicked press run, fans had urged her to take some time off after noticing her seemingly frail appearance.
Karen Carpenter's final TV appearance is being compared to Ariana's Petal visuals
The image making the rounds online shows Karen Carpenter during one of her last television appearances in early 1983. Wearing a light gray suit and holding a microphone, the Carpenters singer appears noticeably thin.Fans have been placing the photo next to recent stills from the thank u, next singer's Petal music video, particularly scenes where Ariana wears an all-black outfit. The X user, Ququ, shared side-by-side photos with the caption, "This is singer Karen Carpenter, a month before she DIED of anorexia at only 32 years old. Ariana looks even thinner. She needs help ASAP. Her team and 'friends" need to organise and act, even if it means postponing tour dates or going on a hiatus."
'We're worried': Fans say the discussion is about concern, not hate
The comparison has sparked thousands of comments from fans who insist they are expressing concern rather than trying to shame Ariana.One user wrote, "This kind of 'fans' pretending that everything is fine are as harmful as people making fun of Ariana's appearance. Mentally ill enablers. How can you want her to recover if you don't even want to acknowledge the issue?"
Another added, "The best thing we can do as fans is to educate and do prevention, especially for younger Arianators who see Ariana as a model. But realistically that's the only thing we can do."
Others have gone a step further, saying they hope Ariana takes time to prioritise her wellbeing, with some suggesting a break from touring if necessary. The singer is currently on her Eternal Sunshine World Tour.
Karen Carpenter died at just 32 after complications linked to anorexia
Karen Carpenter was one of the defining voices of the 1970s, best known for hits including (They Long to Be) Close to You, We've Only Just Begun, Rainy Days and Mondays, and Superstar.She spent years battling anorexia nervosa, an illness that was poorly understood at the time. Carpenter died on February 4, 1983, at the age of 32 after suffering heart failure related to complications of the eating disorder. Her death became a pivotal moment in raising public awareness about anorexia and its potentially life-threatening consequences.
Ariana's appearance has been under the microscope since the Wicked era
The conversation surrounding Ariana Grande's appearance did not begin with Petal. Ever since she started promoting Wicked and later Wicked: For Good, fans have repeatedly commented on her weight during premieres, interviews, performances, and now music videos.Grande herself has addressed these conversations in the past, saying there are "many different kinds of beautiful" and revealing that the version of her body many people considered "healthy" was actually one of the unhealthiest periods of her life. She has also called public speculation about people's bodies and health "dangerous."
It is important to note that Ariana Grande has not publicly disclosed having an eating disorder, and no medical condition has been confirmed. Any claims about her health based solely on photos or videos remain speculation.