Ariana Grande covers the April 2017 issue of Cosmopolitan, in which she discusses the value of being a "strong" woman, her admiration for Madonna and how her romance with longtime friend and collaborator Mac Miller blossomed.

"I met him when I was 19," she tells Cosmo of Miller, who appeared on Grande's debut single "The Way" back in 2013. "We have loved and adored and respected each other since the beginning, since before we even met, just because we were fans of each other’s talent. We weren’t ready at all, though, to be together. It’s just timing."

Grande and Miller were first spotted on a date together in late August 2016, and what may have initially been dismissed as a publicity stunt for their "My Favorite Part" collaboration from his The Divine Feminine release has lasted past fall, through the holiday season (classic early-stage relationship hurdle) and into 2017.

And in addition to pointing out that "a lot of times, women are labeled as a bitch or a diva for having a vision and being strong and using their voice," the "Everyday" singer paid respects to an outspoken pop queen trailblazer.

"I have the utmost respect for [Madonna]. I love her with every ounce of my being, and not just because I’m obsessed with her entire discography," Grande said (same). "I'm so inspired by her bravery and her strength. I can look at her and not be scared to be strong."

Ariana Grande's full Cosmo cover story hits newsstands on March 7; until then revisit Ariana and Madonna getting down together onstage during Art Basel 2016 below.

Ariana Grande's Dangerous Woman Tour [Photos]

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