Scooter Braun, the record executive who has faced a public exodus of clients, took to Instagram to congratulate Ariana Grande on breaking a new streaming record. The post, which celebrated Grande becoming the woman with the most songs on Spotify to each be streamed over 1 billion times, did not allude to the reason for her departure from Braun's management firm. Reports surfaced that Grande is technically still stuck in a management contract with Braun, despite hiring a new manager. However, Braun's congratulatory post suggests that there is no bad blood between them. It is the first time he has publicly referenced Grande since news of her signing with a new manager.

Despite her desire to part ways with Braun, insiders revealed that she is still contractually tied to him and must continue to pay him as if he were still actively managing her career. The article also mentions Grande's frustration with Braun over his handling of her romance with Ethan Slater, her co-star in the film adaptation of Wicked. Grande has since signed with Brandon Creed of Good World Management, who also represents Demi Lovato.