0
0
Ariana Grande is one of the most successful and influential figures in contemporary pop music. She is known for her four-octave vocal range, whistle register, and catchy songs that span genres such as pop, R&B, trap, and EDM. She has also starred in several TV shows and movies, and has won numerous awards and accolades throughout her career.
Early Life and Career
Ariana Grande was born on June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, to Joan Grande, a chief executive officer for Hose-McCann Communications, and Edward Butera, a graphic designer and photographer1. She began singing and acting at a young age, and made her Broadway debut in the musical 13 in 20082.
She rose to fame for playing Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon TV series Victorious (2010-2013) and its spin-off Sam & Cat (2013-2014)1. She also lent her voice to the character Diaspro in the animated series Winx Club (2011-2015)3, and appeared in the TV movie Swindle (2013)4.
Music Career
Ariana Grande signed with Republic Records in 2011, after the label executives were impressed by her YouTube videos of covering songs1. She released her debut album, Yours Truly, in 2013, which topped the US Billboard 200 chart and received positive reviews from critics5. The album’s lead single, “The Way”, featuring rapper Mac Miller, reached the top 10 of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and drew comparisons to Mariah Carey’s vocal style6.
She followed up with her second album, My Everything, in 2014, which also debuted at number one in the US and sold over a million copies in the country7. The album spawned several hit singles, such as “Problem”, featuring Iggy Azalea, “Break Free”, featuring Zedd, and “Bang Bang”, with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj8. She also collaborated with other artists, such as The Weeknd, Childish Gambino, and Ariana Grande’s ex-boyfriend Big Sean9.
Her third album, Dangerous Woman, was released in 2016, and marked a more mature and confident direction for her music. The album peaked at number two in the US and number one in the UK, and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album. The title track, “Dangerous Woman”, became her first top 10 single as a lead artist in the UK, and her third top 10 single in the US. She also experimented with different genres and sounds, such as reggae, house, and disco, and worked with producers such as Max Martin, Ilya Salmanzadeh, and Tommy Brown.
In 2018, she released her fourth album, Sweetener, which won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album and became her third consecutive number one album in the US. The album featured the singles “No Tears Left to Cry”, “God Is a Woman”, and “Breathin”, and showcased her resilience and optimism after the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, which killed 22 people and injured hundreds more at one of her concerts. She also collaborated with Pharrell Williams, Missy Elliott, and Nicki Minaj on the album.
Her fifth album, Thank U, Next, was released in 2019, just six months after Sweetener, and broke several records, such as the largest streaming week for a pop album and the most simultaneous top 40 entries by a female artist on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was praised for its honesty and vulnerability, as it addressed her personal struggles, such as the death of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller and her broken engagement with comedian Pete Davidson. The singles “Thank U, Next”, “7 Rings”, and “Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored” all debuted at number one in the US, making her the first solo artist to achieve this feat.
In 2020, she released her sixth album, Positions, which also debuted at number one in the US and the UK, and explored themes such as love, sex, and empowerment. The title track, “Positions”, became her fifth number-one single in the US, and her fourth number-one single in the UK. She also collaborated with Justin Bieber on the charity single “Stuck with U”, and with Lady Gaga on the dance-pop anthem “Rain on Me”, both of which also reached number one in the US. The latter song won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and a MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Ariana Grande has been in several high-profile relationships, such as with rapper Mac Miller, comedian Pete Davidson, and real estate agent Dalton Gomez. She married Gomez in a private ceremony in May 2021, but they divorced in October 2023.
She is also known for her support of various causes and charities, such as LGBT rights, animal rights, mental health awareness, and Black Lives Matter. She has donated millions of dollars to various organizations, such as the American Red Cross, the Manchester Emergency Fund, the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. She has also performed at several benefit concerts, such as One Love Manchester, A Concert for Charlottesville, and One World: Together at Home.
Conclusion
Ariana Grande is a pop icon with a powerful voice and a versatile musical style. She has achieved immense success and recognition in both the music and entertainment industries, and has inspired millions of fans around the world. She is also a role model for young women, as she advocates for social justice, equality, and empowerment.
