Ariana Grande has achieved more in her career than many could in a lifetime, spanning Broadway, television, pop music, and movies.
Hailing from Boca Raton, Florida, the singer-actress seemed destined for stardom. She began her journey performing in local musicals and even sang the National Anthem at a Florida Panthers hockey game at just eight years old, later securing her first professional role as a teenager.
From there, her rise was unstoppable. Widely recognized as one of the greatest vocalists of all time, Grande has shattered records and expanded the limits of pop music, all while balancing ventures in film, production, and beauty since 2021. What’s even more remarkable is that she achieved all this before turning 30 last year and she’s showing no signs of slowing down at the moment.
Background
Ariana Grande-Butera is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who was born June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida. Her mother is Joan Grande, the CEO of Hose-McCann Communications, a company specialising in manufacturing marine communications equipment. Her father is Edward Butera, who owns a graphics design firm in her hometown. She has a half-brother, Frank James Grande Marchione, who is also a singer and actor. He played the role of Frankini in Henry Danger and Danger Force.
It’s a funny story, but Grande wasn’t all pink and Barbie while growing up. In an interview with Billboard, she recounts moments from her childhood and describes herself as a “very weird little girl… dark and deranged.” She went on to say, “For my fifth birthday party we had a Jaws theme, and all my friends left crying.”
At the early age of 15, she landed her first role in the Broadway musical “13,” marking her professional debut and solidifying her passion for the stage.
The Nickelodeon era
Grande’s breakthrough came in 2009 when she landed the role of Cat Valentine in the popular Nickelodeon television series “Victorious” alongside co-star Elizabeth Gillies. The show, which followed a group of talented students at a performing arts high school, catapulted Grande into the spotlight. Her portrayal of the bubbly, quirky Cat resonated with young audiences, making her a household name. She had to dye her hair red every week for the role, which severely damaged her hair.
While “Victorious” established her as a recognisable face, Grande never lost sight of her musical aspirations. In an interview with Rolling Stone in 2014, she affirmed her interest in music: “Acting is fun, but music has always been first and foremost with me.” She frequently shared her vocal talents online, posting covers of popular songs by Mariah Carey, Adele, and Whitney Houston, and showcasing her impressive vocal range. These online performances captivated a growing fanbase and hinted at the musical prowess that would soon take centre stage.
Grande starred in the Nickelodeon TV show “Sam & Cat,” where she played Cat alongside her co-star. The show was about two high school students who took up a part-time babysitting job to earn extra cash. Their friendship grows into something very unique that resonates with audiences around the world; however, the show ended after one season.
Breakthrough
Grande released her first single, “Put Your Hearts Up,” which she later disowned because it did not align with the type of music she wanted to record. She went on to feature in soundtracks for Victorious, including “L.A. Boyz” with Victoria Justice.
Republic Records recognised her musical potential and signed Grande in 2011. Her debut studio album, “Yours Truly,” released on August 30, 2013, showcased her powerful vocals and R&B-infused pop sound. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 138,000 copies in its first week of release. The album was also propelled by the success of the lead single, “The Way,” which debuted at number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, featuring rapper Mac Miller. Other notable tracks include “Baby I,” “Right There,” and “Tattooed Heart,” showcasing Grande’s vocal range and emotional depth. The song’s infectious melody and Grande’s soaring vocals quickly climbed the charts, solidifying her status as a rising star in the music industry.
Grande won an award for the “Favourite Breakout Artist” at the People’s Choice Awards in January 2014. She also performed at the White House twice for President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, during the “Women of Soul” concert and for the “Easter Egg Roll” event.
2018 was a big year for the 31-year-old; she was named Billboard Woman of the Year, won her first Grammy Award for “Best Pop Vocal Album” for “Sweetener,” even though she did not attend, and a Brit Award for International Female Solo Artist of the Year. In 2019, she won Top Female Artist at the Billboard Music Awards. With 307 million streams, “Thank U, Next” was the highest-streamed song in a week.
Tours and concerts
Ariana Grande’s live performances are as captivating as her music, delivering high-energy shows that have captivated audiences worldwide. Her tours have become renowned for their stunning visuals, intricate choreography, and powerful vocals, solidifying her status as a global concert sensation.
Ariana Grande tickets sell out at all her events, with the former Disney star generating millions in ticket sales from her tours.
The Listening sessions
After performing for Justin Bieber’s “Believe Tour,” Grande headlined her first tour, “The Listening Sessions.” The tour supported her debut album, “Yours Truly,” which was relatively small-scale; however, the tour provided a platform for Grande to showcase her vocal talents and connect with her growing fanbase.
Grande hit the road in support of her second studio album, “My Everything.” The tour became her first world tour. The “Honeymoon tour” began in Independence, Missouri, on February 25, 2015, and concluded in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 25, 2015. The American singer played several shows on 6 continents, making stops in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Chile, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, France, and Scotland. The tour garnered $41.8 million from 88 shows.
The Grammy Award singer began her third concert tour, the “Dangerous Woman Tour,” in support of her third studio album, on February 3, 2017, in Phoenix, Arizona, and concluded on September 21, 2017. The tour was halted briefly after a terrorist attack during her show in Manchester on May 22; however, she resumed at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris on June 7. She went on to perform in Rome, Lyon, Vegas, Sao Paulo, Bangkok, Toronto, Tulsa, Boston, and several other arenas. The tour garnered $71.4 million from 77 shows.
The 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, which occurred during her concert, was a devastating event that shook the music world. A suicide bomber detonated a shrapnel bomb at the arena, killing 22 people and injuring hundreds more. However, the former Nickelodeon star responded with grace and compassion by organising a benefit concert to honour the victims and raise funds for those affected. The “One Love Manchester Concert” raised about $23 million to aid the victims.
The Sweetener World Tour, a collaborative tour promoting her albums “Sweetener” and “Thank U, Next,” was a worldwide success. The tour grossed $146 million, smashing multiple records and cementing Grande’s status as one of the highest-grossing touring performers. Grande’s strong and moving performances, the tour’s inventive stage design, and its stunning visuals all received accolades.
Although the R&B singer has not yet announced a tour to promote her most recent album, “Eternal Sunshine,” her fans are excited for her to take the stage again. Her prior tours have continuously produced remarkable experiences, demonstrating her commitment to providing top-notch entertainment and establishing a close, personal connection with her fans.
Grande’s live concerts have come to represent exhilarating entertainment, breathtaking scenery, and an unmistakable bond with her fans. In addition to showcasing her musical abilities, her tours have cemented her place as a global superstar, enthralling audiences everywhere with her stirring performances and unshakeable commitment to her art.
The influence of Ariana Grande goes beyond her artistic accomplishments. Millions of admirers across the world have been inspired by her use of her platform to promote LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness. Her songs speak to audiences on a profoundly intimate level by frequently addressing themes of empowerment, self-love, and overcoming heartbreak.
Her authenticity has also contributed to her immense popularity. She has been open about her struggles with anxiety and has used her platform to encourage fans to prioritise their mental well-being. This honesty and relatability have fostered a strong connection between Grande and her fans, creating a loyal and dedicated fanbase.
Eternal Sunshine album
Ariana Grande announced she had an album on the way in January 2024; she released the album’s lead single in the same month. “Yes, And?” was released on January 12 and became an instant hit, debuting atop the Billboard Hot 100. Her latest album, “Eternal Sunshine,” is her first in three years, released in March 2024; it topped the Billboard Hot 200 Chart, marking her sixth number one on the chart while charting all of its tracks on the Billboard Hot 100. At the time of its release, “Eternal Sunshine” became the most-streamed album in a single day in 2024 after receiving 58.1 million Spotify plays worldwide. The album’s 12 songs concurrently made an appearance on the Global Excl. U.S. and debuted at number one on the UK Billboard Charts.
On 1st October 2024, Grande delighted fans with the drop of a brand new live album, in celebration of seven months since the release of her seventh album, “Eternal Sunshine.” Announcing the ‘album—’ Eternal Sunshine Slightly Deluxe and Also Live’—on’ her socials, Grande gushed that she wanted to ‘surprise you all with one more Eternal Sunshine-related something’ before she focuses her attention on the release of the Wicked movie. The album contains seven live tracks from the original album: ‘Intro (End of The World),’ ‘Eternal Sunshine,’ ‘Don’t Wanna Break Up Again,’ ‘Supernatural,’ ‘Yes, And?,’ ‘We Can’t Be Friends,’ and ‘Imperfect For You.’ She wrote, ‘I wanted to surprise you all with one more Eternal Sunshine-related something before I head back into my bubble and meet you over the rainbow next month…”
The three-time American Music Awards winner has been excellent this year. teased an upcoming tour in support of her seventh album, “Eternal Sunshine”: “It’s definitely, for a multitude of reasons, not going to be a tour in the way I used to tour. It’d be a mini little sampling of shows. I do think it’d be nice to do that. It’s something that I and my team are working on.”
Grande’s discography demonstrates her brilliance, variety, and ability to connect with fans on a deeply personal level. From her debut album to her most recent albums, she has continuously provided chart-topping songs and critical praise, cementing her place as one of the most influential and popular pop performers of her generation.
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