Ariana Grande sang about Breaking Free, and now the young starlet has broken free from her relationship, splitting with rapper Big Sean after eight months. The pair were first linked in August 2014, but with both currently on tour, it seems the stress of long distance took its toll.
A joint statement from reps for both Ariana and Big Sean read: "They both deeply care for each other and remain close friends.
"We kindly ask that the media respect their wish for privacy regarding this personal matter at this time."
Ariana Grande and Big Sean performing together
A source told Us magazine that their schedules played a large part in the decision, revealing: "They made the decision to part ways because their conflicting touring schedules would keep them apart over the next year," before adding that the two split earlier in April.
Ariana and Big Sean were first spotted together at the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles in 2014, where they were seen holding hands. The Problem singer had previously kept mum about her blossoming romance, admitting that she loved collaborating with Big Sean.
"I think I love working with Sean the most because we've done so many songs together, and he's amazing... and he's one of my favourite people ever," Ariana told On Air with Ryan Seacrest.
The pair cuddled up together at the 2015 Grammy Awards
Ariana, 21, and 26-year-old Big Sean later confirmed that they are an item after they were pictured kissing on a theme park ride in October of that year.
Later, they weren't afraid to show their affection and regularly walked red carpets together and posted sweet messages across social media.
On 4 April though, Big Sean posted a cryptic tweet which read: "Just know I love u and I care for ya". Only several days later, Ariana wrote: "Love u babes the most. You just can't imagine."
