Ariana Grande-Butera (or as I like to call her, "Tiny Pop Titan with the Big-Ass Voice"), made her grand entrance to this world on June 26, 1993. What's she famous for? Oh, just being an American pop queen, penning some tunes, and dabbling in the acting biz.
If the current pop music scene had a high school yearbook, Ari would be the "Prom Queen." And she's got the killer vocals that could shatter glass - we're talking four freakin' octaves and a whistle register that’s so damn high, it probably annoys the hell out of dogs. Accolades? This girl's swimming in 'em: Grammys, a Brit Award, and a whopping 30 Guinness World Records.
Before she was making waves on the charts, young Ari was flexing her vocal muscles on Broadway's "13". Then came the whole Nickelodeon stint where she played Cat Valentine - which, let’s face it, was just a pit stop on her way to superstardom. YouTube vids of her belting out songs caught the eyes of big wig label execs, and the rest, as they say, is history.
If pop music had royalty, Ariana would be its queen. Or at the very least, it's the badass princess with a voice that just won't quit. Let’s know more about her!
Ari's Saucy Start: Sun, Sand, and Some Serious Pipes
Ariana Grande is a petite diva with oversized pipes, popped out in sunny Boca Raton, Florida. You know, the place where retirees go to play golf and complain about the weather. She's the princess spawn of Joan Grande, the big-shot CEO of Hose-McCann Communications. And daddy? Eddie Butera, a graphic dude from Boca probably designs those "I <3 Florida" tees.
Ari claims she's all Italian – like the pizza, not the shoe. And she ain't the only showbiz kid in the family; she's got a half-bro, Frankie Grande, who's...well, Grande in his own right (just not as Grande as Ari).
Before she was belting those high notes, her family moved from New York (where the real pizza is) to Florida. The parental units called it quits when Arstill figured out her multiplication tables. And speaking of fam, she's tight with her granny, Marjorie Grande. Rumor has it, Marjorie's spaghetti recipe is the secret behind Ari's vocal cords.
Little Ari got smacked by rogue hockey pucks – TWICE! What are the odds, right? Must be a Florida thing. And get this, she was the first kiddo to joyride a Zamboni in a brand-new arena, all thanks to her parents' deep pockets. She even made it to the South Florida SunSentinel.
This pop princess didn't just spring out of nowhere. She was all over the Fort Lauderdale Children's Theater scene, playing Annie (probably the only orphan with a 4-octave range). Then she dazzled in The Wizard of Oz and Beauty and the Beast. Think about it, a mini-Ari, crooning on a cruise ship karaoke and vibing with orchestras. Also, she studied at Pine Crest School and then North Broward Prep.
Arianna’s Art World Domination
Ariana Grande is super talented! Even though she's young, she's done a lot in music and video. Watch out for her; she's making big moves!
Theatrical Beginnings to Nickelodeon Star
At 13, Ariana Grande aimed to be an R&B star. Moving to LA, her youth limited her initial music opportunities. Her talent led to a Broadway role in "13" in 2008, followed by performances at NYC's Birdland jazz club. By 2009, she starred as Cat Valentine in Nickelodeon's "Victorious," which premiered to 5.7 million viewers in 2010. While on the show, Grande honed her musical skills, appearing in various tracks and videos. By 2012, she had voice roles in animations and had started releasing singles.
Music Breakthrough
In 2013, Grande's debut album "Yours Truly" topped the US Billboard 200, with "The Way" reaching the Billboard Hot 100's top ten, despite copyright issues. Her 2014 album, "My Everything", included hits like "Problem" and "Break Free". She also teamed up with Nicki Minaj and Jessie J on "Bang Bang", rivaling chart-toppers like Adele.
The "Dangerous Woman" Era
Grande's third album, "Dangerous Woman", released in 2016. Singles like "Focus" and "Dangerous Woman" ranked high on the charts. She showcased her talent across platforms from "Saturday Night Live" to "The Voice". Tragedy struck after her Manchester Arena concert in 2017, where a bombing claimed 22 lives. Grande responded with the "One Love Manchester" concert, raising $23 million for victims. The year concluded with accolades and performances, including her "Dangerous Woman Tour".
Chart Dominance
Grande's "Sweetener" album in 2018 showcased her resilience post-Manchester. Hits like "No Tears Left to Cry" and "God Is a Woman" were massive successes. She then dropped "Thank U, Next", making significant digital streaming records. "7 Rings" further confirmed her chart dominance. With simultaneous top hits, she joined the ranks of The Beatles. Despite Grammy disputes, she won Best Pop Vocal Album. Collaborations, awards, and global recognition marked these years as the "Ariana Grande Era."
Grande's Artistic Spice
Ariana Grande, known for her iconic ponytail and unique whistle tones, masterfully blends genres from pop to trap. With her "Christmas & Chill" EP and collaborations with Tommy Brown, she showcases her diverse talents, even diving into sound engineering mentored by Mac Miller.
Starting with her 90s R&B-inspired "Yours Truly", Ariana explored EDM with "My Everything", and mixed pop and R&B in "Dangerous Woman". By the time "Sweetener" and "Thank U, Next" dropped, she firmly embraced trap-pop. Critics applaud her for mixing hip-hop beats with catchy lyrics. Her "Positions" album added a bold romantic touch to her evolving sound.
Vocal Powerhouses: Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston
From an early age, Ari's been vibing to urban pop and '90s classics. At just eight, she wowed Gloria Estefan with her voice on a cruise, setting the stage for her future. Her idols? The iconic Mariah Carey and the legendary Whitney Houston. But the list doesn’t end there. Add a hint of Destiny's Child, a touch of Beyoncé, a dash of Celine Dion, and the timeless Madonna. She’s even been spotted jamming to Celine's hits and is a self-proclaimed Madonna mega-fan.
Beyond the mainstream, Ari's a fan of Imogen Heap and has a soft spot for Judy Garland, a nod to her love for the Wizard of Oz. Savan Kotecha, a close musical collaborator, shared that Lauryn Hill's chords influenced some of Ari's tracks like "No Tears Left to Cry".
She also has a love for India. Arie's soulful rhythms, Brandy's distinct riffs, and admires freestyle rappers. This appreciation led to surprises like "Thank U, Next" dropping out of nowhere.
The Magnificent MIGHT of Grande's Melodies
Ariana Grande, known for her four-octave range, often gets compared to Mariah Carey. Yet Ariana maintains her unique style. By 2014, Billboard recognized her distinctive sound. Mark Savage of the BBC and The New York Times praised her voice, and Jason Robert Brown in Time highlighted her unmatched talent.
Grande's Public Exposure
Rocking her signature high ponytail since 2016, Ariana Grande shifted from an Audrey Hepburn vibe to embodying icons like Marilyn Monroe. Initially in modest outfits, she soon opted for edgier looks with her bunny ears. Her red hair from her "Cat Valentine" days transformed into iconic extensions and that famous ponytail.
2014 was turbulent for Ariana. She faced rumors and the "Doughnutgate" scandal but humorously addressed it on SNL.
By 2024, Ariana's social media numbers were off the charts: 50M on YouTube, 24B video views, 85M Spotify fans, 380M on Instagram, 80M on Twitter, and 32.6M on TikTok. More than a pop star, she's a global trendsetter.
Grande's Numbers
You might want to pull up a chair, 'cause Ari's achievements are I C O N I C! Strap in, it's about to get "Grand(e)" in here!
This pop princess has sold a freakin’ 85 to 90 million records globally, making her hotter than your ex's new partner. She’s got platinum on her mind and it’s not just her hair color - every single one of her albums is platinum or higher. This girl has shifted a whopping 100 million units when you combine albums, singles, and features. Oh, and let’s not forget, in the grand ol' U.S. of A, she’s showered in over 23.6 billion streams. That's right, billion, with a "B".
With a mind-boggling 98 billion streams, she's the queen bee of streaming. She's even left Rihanna in the dust on Spotify. By 2024, she’s also the leading lady with the most followers on Spotify.
Now, for the sparkly bling. Grande has snatched up awards like they're going out of style. Two Grammy Awards, one BRIT, and a handful of MTV awards - including nine VMAs. Hell, even the kiddos love her - she's got nine Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards under her belt. And she’s been slapped with titles like Billboard’s Woman of the Year in 2018, and the most successful female artist of the 2010s. If awards were lovers, Ari would be the town bike!
Moving on to the Billboard charts, this queen has been reigning supreme. She’s debuted at number one a bunch of times. Fun fact: with her album "Thank U, Next", she became the first solo artist to hog the top three spots of the Billboard Hot 100 since the freaking Beatles! And her steamy duet "Die for You" made her beat Paul McCartney, making her the ultimate duet queen.
Pop Diva with a Purpose
Ariana Grande's repertoire extends beyond her iconic ponytail and charming vocals. From a young age, she showcased her philanthropic spirit. At just 10, Ariana co-founded "Kids Who Care," a South Florida singing group dedicated to charitable efforts. They successfully raised over $500,000 in 2007 alone.
Fast-forward, Ariana was seen sharing her dance skills with children in South Africa. By 2013, she aligned with Bridgit Mendler and Kat Graham for Seventeen magazine's "Delete Digital Drama" initiative. That same year, influenced by the documentary "Blackfish", Ariana became an advocate against SeaWorld's practices.
Her altruistic endeavors persisted. In 2014, Ariana dedicated a performance to her late grandfather for Stand Up to Cancer. Simultaneously, she championed MAC's Viva Glam campaign, directing its profits towards HIV/AIDS assistance. Ariana's compassion isn't limited to humans; she's a known dog rescuer. Further enhancing her image as an ally, she performed for New York City's Pride Week.
Collaborating with Miley Cyrus, Ariana sang for the Happy Hippie Foundation and eloquently addressed societal double standards on Twitter. A 2016 collaboration saw Ariana and Madonna raising funds for children in Malawi. The same year, Ariana supported the Black Lives Matter movement with her single "Better Days".
Scandals, Mental Battles, Faith Shifts, and Million-Dollar Mansions
Miss "High Ponytail" Grande has faced some gnarly shit. She's been battling hypoglycemia, and she blames her trash food choices. Since 2013, she's been vibing as a vegan, but fans flipped their lids in 2019. Why? She teamed up with Starbucks and whipped up a drink that, surprise surprise, had eggs! A scandal in the vegan world! But her nutrition guru, Harley "Let Her Eat Cake" Pasternak, spilled to Glamour that Ari can cheat a bit on her diet. Good on ya, Ari, you do you!
Now, we all know about the tragic Manchester Arena bombing. It left Ari grappling with PTSD and anxiety so bad she almost bailed on her 2018 "Very Wicked Halloween" gig. Word on the street is she's been hitting up therapy sessions for a decade, especially after her folks split.
Growing up, she was all about that Roman Catholic life, but she ditched it around 2013. Why? The church was throwing shade at homosexuality, and Ari wasn't having it, especially with her bro Frankie waving the gay flag.
Later, she and Frankie got cozy with Kabbalah, and damn, it clicked for both! She's been an LGBTQ+ ally, with tracks like "Break Your Heart Right Back". Also, homegirl has been tagged as a sex-positive advocate. Hell yeah! Oh, and a political side-note: she was rooting for Bernie Sanders in 2019.
Forbes got nosy about her cash flow in 2019. In 2020, she splurged on a swanky $13.7 million crib in Hollywood Hills. And, hold onto your knickers, she sold a swish Manhattan penthouse for a cool $13.5 million in 2021. By 2022, she was looking to ditch her Montecito pad (which had some uninvited guests break in). Someone snagged it for a smooth $9.1 million. Damn, Ari's real estate game is on point!
