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Singer, Actress & Founder of R.E.M. Beauty
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Ariana Grande-Butera (born June 26, 1993) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who has established herself as one of the most prominent figures in contemporary pop music. Born in Boca Raton, Florida, to Joan Grande, a CEO, and Edward Butera, a graphic designer, she showed an aptitude for performing from an early age. She began her journey on the local theater scene, participating in productions with the Fort Lauderdale Children's Theater, including the title role in "Annie" and appearances in "The Wizard of Oz" and "Beauty and the Beast." As a child, she performed the national anthem at professional sporting events and sang on cruise ships, laying the groundwork for a career defined by her exceptional vocal range and theatricality. Grande’s professional breakthrough occurred in 2008 when she was cast as Charlotte in the Broadway musical "13," a role that earned her a National Youth Theatre Association Award. Her transition to television occurred in 2010 when she secured the role of Cat Valentine in the hit Nickelodeon series "Victorious." The show's immense popularity launched her into the public consciousness, and she subsequently reprised her role in the spin-off "Sam & Cat" (2013–2014). Despite her success in television, Grande increasingly prioritized her musical ambitions. In 2013, she released her debut studio album, "Yours Truly," which featured a blend of retro-inspired pop and R&B and debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200. This milestone marked the beginning of a prolific musical trajectory. She quickly followed up with "My Everything" (2014) and "Dangerous Woman" (2016), both of which saw her embracing more experimental sounds and solidifying her status as a global pop superstar. Her albums "Sweetener" (2018) and "Thank U, Next" (2019) were critically lauded for their personal introspection and integration of trap and pop-R&B elements. The latter project, in particular, broke numerous streaming records and yielded chart-topping singles such as "Thank U, Next" and "7 Rings." Her subsequent studio albums, including "Positions" (2020) and "Eternal Sunshine" (2024), have continued to demonstrate her ability to evolve creatively while maintaining massive commercial appeal. Grande is widely recognized for her four-octave vocal range, which frequently utilizes the whistle register—a feature that has led critics to draw frequent comparisons to vocal powerhouse Mariah Carey. Her accolades include multiple Grammy Awards, numerous MTV Video Music Awards, and dozens of Guinness World Records. Beyond her music, she has been a significant force in cultural discourse and philanthropy, frequently advocating for mental health awareness, LGBTQ+ equality, and animal rights. Her response to the tragic 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, which included the organization of the One Love Manchester benefit concert, is often cited as a testament to her influence and leadership. In addition to her entertainment career, Grande has successfully expanded into business. In November 2021, she launched her cosmetics brand, R.E.M. Beauty. The company, which specializes in vegan and cruelty-free makeup, reflects her interest in retro-futuristic aesthetics and self-expression. Following a period as a subsidiary of a parent company, she acquired full ownership of the brand in 2023. Throughout her career, Grande has navigated the pressures of extreme global fame while maintaining a connection with her fanbase, whom she calls "Arianators." By seamlessly transitioning from child actor to legitimate Broadway performer and finally to a genre-defining musical icon, Ariana Grande has cemented a legacy characterized by versatility, resilience, and an enduring impact on the global pop culture landscape.
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First solo artist in history to hold the top three spots on the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously a feat previously only achieved by The Beatles
Starred as Glinda the Good Witch in the massive global theatrical adaptations of 'Wicked' proving her viability as a top-tier Hollywood leading lady
Founded R.E.M. Beauty successfully capturing a significant share of the highly competitive celebrity cosmetics market
Faced intense horrific trauma and public scrutiny following the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing which occurred during her concert killing 22 people (she responded by organizing the historic One Love Manchester benefit concert just weeks later)
Her personal life and romantic relationships (specifically her divorce and subsequent relationship with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater) frequently trigger massive relentless tabloid frenzies and toxic social media narratives that she aggressively rebukes
The infamous 2015 'donutgate' incident where she was caught on camera licking unpurchased donuts and stating 'I hate America' caused a massive early-career PR crisis
News articles featuring Ariana Grande
Won multiple Grammy Awards and shattered numerous Spotify streaming records throughout the late 2010s and early 2020s
Began her professional career in 2008 as Charlotte in the Broadway musical '13'.
Gained widespread recognition for her role as Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon television series 'Victorious' starting in 2010.
Released her debut studio album, 'Yours Truly', which topped the US Billboard 200 chart in 2013.
Won the New Artist of the Year award at the 2013 American Music Awards.
Starred in the Nickelodeon series 'Sam & Cat' from 2013 to 2014.
Released her second studio album, 'My Everything', which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in 2014.
Named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2016.
Won the American Music Award for Artist of the Year in 2016.
Named the first honorary citizen of Manchester, England, in 2017 following the One Love Manchester benefit concert.
Named Billboard's Woman of the Year in 2018.
Won her first Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album for 'Sweetener' in 2019.
Became the first solo artist to occupy the top three positions on the US Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously in 2019.
Became the youngest headliner in the 20-year history of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2019.
Named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people for the second time in 2019.
Released her sixth studio album, 'Positions', in 2020.
Won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for 'Rain on Me' with Lady Gaga in 2021.
Reached 20 Guinness World Record titles in 2021.
Partnered with BetterHelp to pledge $5 million in free therapy to mark World Mental Health Day in October 2021.
Launched her cosmetics company, R.E.M. Beauty, on November 12, 2021.
Starred as Glinda in the film adaptation of the musical 'Wicked' in 2024.
Released her seventh studio album, 'Eternal Sunshine', in 2024.
In July 2015, Grande was recorded on CCTV at a California donut shop licking donuts on display and stating, 'I hate America.' She later apologized for her 'poor choice of words' and behavior, clarifying that her comments were a critique of America's obesity rates, not the country itself.
In 2019, following the release of her song '7 Rings,' Grande faced allegations of plagiarism from multiple artists, including rapper Josh Stone (DOT), who sued her for allegedly stealing the hook and rhythmic structure from his song 'You Need It, I Got It.' The lawsuit was settled in March 2021 with the terms remaining undisclosed.
Starting around 2018 and continuing periodically, Grande has faced persistent criticism for 'blackfishing'—a term used by critics to describe her use of heavy tanning, makeup, and changes in speech patterns, which some argue appropriate Black aesthetics. She has also faced similar 'Asianfishing' accusations regarding her aesthetic choices in later photo shoots.
In July 2023, Grande faced significant public scrutiny and 'homewrecker' allegations after it was confirmed she was dating her 'Wicked' co-star, Ethan Slater. The controversy stemmed from the timing of their relationship, which coincided with both of them filing for divorce from their respective spouses, prompting criticism from Slater's then-estranged wife, Lily Jay.
Early in her career, around 2014, Grande dealt with widespread 'diva' rumors, including reports that she was rude to fans and demanded to be carried by staff. She denied these claims, attributing them to media fabrication and sexist tropes regarding young female pop stars.