Netflix’s newest emotional hit Ripple has quickly captured audiences with its interconnected storylines and grounded humanity — and one of the breakout performances comes from Sydney Agudong, who plays Aria, a young musician navigating identity, loss, and purpose.
Sydney joined Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias for a powerful, deeply personal conversation where she broke down Aria’s journey, her connection to the character, and the unforgettable moment that left the entire cast in tears.
Below are the biggest highlights from our interview.
⭐ Connecting With Aria on a Personal Level
Sydney revealed that playing Aria felt uncannily close to her real life at the time she auditioned:
“It was quite literally what I was going through in real life… I always felt like Aria — trying to find my purpose, trying to find my voice, trying to understand where I fit in.”
Music had always been sacred to her, and she struggled with imposter syndrome in the same way Aria does on screen.
This connection made the role emotionally challenging — but also incredibly rewarding.
⭐ The Song That Became the Heart of the Series
One of the most unforgettable moments in Ripple is Aria’s emotional performance of “What It Means To Be Human.”
Sydney shared the surprising origin:
She originally wrote and recorded the song years earlier
It was inspired by losing a close friend
She sent the demo during the audition process
The writers were so moved they built Episode 5 around it
“There was no acting that night. It was real. I was crying the entire time.”
The cast and crew were deeply affected, and Sydney said the moment will stay with her forever.
⭐ How Ripple Created a True Found Family
Sydney praised her co-stars — including Ian Harding, Julia Chan, Frankie Faison, and newcomer Ellis — for creating a supportive environment.
“I was the youngest, and everyone kind of took me in. They gave me so much wisdom and encouragement.”
She described Frankie Faison as a father figure on set, and Ian’s compassion shaping Nate as one of the most beloved characters on the show.
⭐ Aria & Chris: A Sisterhood Fans Didn’t Expect
Sydney spoke about the blossoming relationship between Aria and Chris:
“There’s a beautiful big-sister, little-sister energy. They learn from each other.”
With music, mentorship, and emotional growth at its core, Sydney believes that their dynamic is one of the series’ most powerful storytelling threads.
⭐ On Grief, Purpose, and the Ripple Effect
One of the show's core themes is how one event can create a chain reaction in others’ lives — something Sydney believes resonates with everyone:
“Everybody feels alone at some point. The show reminds us that everything is connected and we’re not alone.”
From career struggles to identity, relationships, and family, Ripple touches on universal experiences through its characters.
⭐ What She Hopes for Aria in Season 2
While Netflix hasn’t officially announced a second season, Sydney has big hopes for Aria:
More musical exploration
Emotional growth after loss
Complications with John Doe
Learning to understand her own power
She describes Aria as “innocent, driven, and just beginning to bloom.”
⭐ What’s Next for Sydney Agudong
Sydney is staying busy:
Working on officially releasing “What It Means To Be Human”
Completing her psychological thriller Ether
Returning as Nani in Lilo & Stitch 2 (in development)
She says she hopes fans continue pushing for Ripple Season 2:
“I would love that. I really believe we built something special.”
⭐ Final Thoughts
Sydney Agudong delivers one of the most heartfelt performances of the year, bringing depth, vulnerability, and truth to Aria in Ripple.
Her honesty about her own journey — musically and emotionally — is part of what makes the character resonate so strongly with fans.
If you haven’t watched the interview yet, it’s a must-see for anyone who loves the series, Sydney’s work, or powerful storytelling about finding your voice when life feels overwhelming.