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Who is Ariana Grande?
Ariana Grande is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who’s currently one of the biggest celebrities in the world. To give you an idea of her popularity, she has over 372 million Instagram followers, around 32 million on TikTok, 80 million (though her Twitter account is now deactivated), and 52 million subscribers on YouTube as of now.
As of 2023, Ariana Grande has an impressive 33 Guinness World Records to her name. These records include achievements like having the most songs debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, having the most Spotify followers for a female artist, and achieving the fastest hat-trick of UK No. 1 singles by a female artist.
Ariana’s journey in entertainment began with acting, notably her role as Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon shows “Victorious” and its spinoff “Sam & Cat.” These roles not only showcased her comedic talents but also served as a springboard for her music career.
Her foray into music took off with her debut album, “Yours Truly,” released in 2013. The album’s success, driven by the hit single “The Way,” quickly established her as a major presence in the pop music scene. Her powerful and distinctive voice, often likened to Mariah Carey’s, set her apart from her peers.
She continued to make waves with subsequent albums like “My Everything” (2014), “Dangerous Woman” (2016), “Sweetener” (2018), and “Thank U, Next” (2019). These albums produced numerous hit singles, including “Bang Bang,” “No Tears Left to Cry,” “7 Rings,” and “Thank U, Next.” Ariana’s unique blend of pop, R&B, and trap elements, combined with lyrics that resonate with many, has endeared her to a wide audience.
Beyond her music, Ariana is known for her philanthropic work and advocacy on issues like mental health awareness, LGBTQ rights, and gender equality. Her significant presence on social media has further boosted her fame, making her one of the most followed individuals on platforms like Instagram.
Ariana Grande’s impact on the music industry has been acknowledged with numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards. Her live performances are also renowned for their elaborate productions and her remarkable vocal prowess.
Learn more: most famous singers of all time
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
- Date of Birth: June 26, 1993
- Birthplace: Boca Raton, Florida, USA
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm)
- Occupation: Singer, songwriter, actress
- Music Genres: Pop, R&B
- Debut Album: “Yours Truly” (2013)
- Notable Hits: “The Way,” “Problem,” “Bang Bang,” “Thank U, Next”
- Guinness World Records: Holds 33 records, including most songs debuting at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
- Philanthropy: Supports various causes, including LGBTQ rights and mental health awareness
- Fragrance Line: Launched several successful fragrances, generating over $1 billion in revenue
- Marital Status: Married Dalton Gomez in May 2021
- Social Media: One of the most followed individuals on Instagram with over 372 million followers
Early Life
Ariana Grande’s journey began in Boca Raton, Florida, where she was born on June 26, 1993. Even during her early years in elementary school, she showed a passion for both singing and acting.
In her Florida hometown, she got her first taste of performing as part of the Little Palm Theatre for Young People and later with the Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theater.
A significant turning point came in 2008 when Ariana was cast in the successful Broadway musical, “13.” This opportunity prompted her to leave high school and switch to homeschooling so she could fully commit to her role in the production.
In 2009, she landed a role that would significantly boost her career – she was cast as Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s popular sitcom, “Victorious.” The show ran until its final episode on February 2, 2013, and Ariana’s portrayal of Cat gained her considerable recognition. During this time, she also made appearances on other Nickelodeon shows like “iCarly” and lent her voice to the character Princess Diaspro in “Winx Club.”
Success
Ariana Grande’s career has been marked by impressive achievements and milestones.
Her debut full-length album, originally titled “Daydreamin'” but later renamed “Yours Truly,” was released on August 30, 2013. This album featured collaborations with artists like Big Sean and Mac Miller and briefly claimed the #1 spot on the US Billboard Top 200 chart. In its first week, it sold between 100,000 to 120,000 copies and shot to #1 on iTunes in more than 30 countries almost overnight.
Just a year later, in August 2014, Ariana released her second studio album, “My Everything,” which also debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold 169,000 copies in its opening week. Between her first two albums, she managed to sell over two million copies worldwide.
Ariana Grande’s third solo album, “Dangerous Woman,” was released in May 2016, showcasing her growth as an artist.
A significant part of her success comes from her extensive touring. According to Billboard, her “Dangerous Woman” tour grossed an impressive $71 million, making it one of the highest-grossing tours globally in 2017.
In 2019, Ariana achieved another remarkable feat by having two #1 albums, “Sweetener” and “Thank U, Next,” within just six months of each other. Additionally, she made history by becoming the youngest and only the fourth female artist ever to headline the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2019.
As of 2023, Ariana Grande has released a total of six studio albums, with her latest being “Positions,” which was released in 2020. Her journey continues to be marked by impressive chart-topping albums and groundbreaking accomplishments.
Endorsements
Ariana Grande has not only made her mark in music but has also ventured into the world of endorsements and collaborations.
In 2016, she teamed up with Coach to release a limited edition handbag. She also joined forces with MAC Cosmetics to create a line of lip shades, with all proceeds going to the MAC AIDS Fund. Further showcasing her fashion sense, Ariana launched a fashion line in collaboration with Lipsy London. Additionally, she worked alongside Brookstone and artist Wenqing Yan to design cat ear headphones.
The year 2017 saw Ariana Grande becoming a brand ambassador for Reebok, adding her star power to the athletic brand. In 2019, she partnered with Starbucks for the launch of the Cloud Macchiato beverage, demonstrating her influence beyond the music industry. Luxury French fashion house Givenchy chose her as the face of its Fall-Winter campaign during the summer of 2019.
Beyond these major endorsements, Ariana has made appearances in commercials for Macy’s, T-Mobile, and Apple. She has even ventured into the world of fragrances, endorsing her own perfume lines. Ariana’s reach extends far beyond just her musical talents, making her a sought-after figure in various industries.
r.e.m. beauty
In December 2020, Ariana Grande made a significant move into the cosmetics world by exclusively licensing her name, image, and likeness to Morphe Cosmetics and its parent company, Forma Brands. Her makeup line, “r.e.m. beauty,” quickly hit the shelves at Ulta Beauty shortly after.
The brand received well-deserved recognition when it won the “Best New Brand” award at the Allure Best of Beauty Awards in May 2022, highlighting its impact and popularity within the beauty industry.
In a surprising twist in January 2023, it was revealed that Ariana Grande had taken ownership of the brand’s physical assets by purchasing them for $15 million from Forma Brands. This move came after Forma Brands had filed for bankruptcy earlier in the same month. Ariana’s involvement in the beauty world has proven to be a successful and lucrative venture, further showcasing her business acumen.
Fragrances
Ariana Grande has ventured into the world of fragrances in partnership with Luxe Brands, and it’s been a highly lucrative endeavor. Her fragrances have collectively raked in over $1 billion in gross revenue. The success can be largely attributed to three standout scents: Moonlight, Sweet Like Candy, and Ari by Ariana Grande.
Here’s how it typically works: Celebrities receive an upfront fee for lending their name and image to create a fragrance, and on top of that, they usually earn a 5% royalty on the total sales. So, if we do the math, a 5% royalty on $1 billion in gross sales amounts to a staggering $50 million.
But here’s where it gets interesting – Ariana’s royalty percentage might be even more impressive. Sometimes, celebrities negotiate additional incentives like a higher royalty rate based on specific milestones or once annual sales reach a certain level. This means her actual earnings from these fragrances could be even more substantial. Ariana Grande’s fragrances have not only delighted her fans but have also turned into a highly profitable venture.
Personal Life
Ariana Grande’s personal life is a mix of family, relationships, beliefs, and health.
Her parents, Joan Grande, CEO of Hose-McCann Communications, and Edward Butera, owner of a graphic design firm, are separated. She also has an older half-brother, Frankie Grande, who is known as an entertainer and producer.
In the realm of romance, Ariana’s dating history includes actor Graham Phillips from 2008 to 2011. In 2012, she collaborated on “The Way” with the late rapper Mac Miller, and their relationship blossomed from 2016 until May 2018. Shortly after her split from Miller, Ariana started dating actor and comedian Pete Davidson. The couple made headlines with their engagement announcement in June 2018, but they later called off the engagement and ended their relationship in October 2018.
In December 2020, Ariana surprised her fans by announcing her engagement to luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony at her Montecito home in May 2021. The wedding photos, including her stunning wedding dress, became some of the most-liked Instagram posts, garnering over 25 million likes.
Regarding her faith, although Ariana was raised Roman Catholic, she has since distanced herself from the Catholic Church due to its stance on homosexuality. Instead, she has embraced the teachings of Kabbalah since the age of 12.
Ariana has also been open about her health. She has shared that she is hypoglycemic and, following the tragic Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, she spoke about dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. In 2018, she revealed on social media that she almost withdrew from her performance in the television special “A Very Wicked Halloween” due to anxiety.
Beyond her personal life, Ariana Grande has been politically active, endorsing Senator Bernie Sanders’s second presidential bid in November 2019. She has also been a vegan since 2013 and is an animal lover, owning five dogs, some of which she has rescued.
Philanthropy
Ariana Grande has consistently shown her dedication to making a positive impact through various philanthropic endeavors.
Back in 2003, when she was just 10 years old, Ariana co-founded the South Florida youth singing group called “Kids Who Care.” This group used their talents to perform at fundraising events, raising an impressive $500,000 for charities in 2007 alone.
In 2009, Ariana traveled to Gugulethu and used her musical and dance skills to teach and perform for children as part of the charitable organization “Broadway in South Africa.”
Ariana joined the fight against online bullying in 2013 when she teamed up with actresses Bridgit Mendler and Kat Graham for Seventeen magazine’s campaign, “Delete Digital Drama.”
She also took a stand against SeaWorld in the same year, urging her fans to stop supporting the theme park chain after watching the documentary “Blackfish.”
In 2015, Ariana performed alongside Miley Cyrus in the “Backyard Sessions” organized by the Happy Hippie Foundation, which aimed to raise funds to support homeless and LGBT youths. She also headlined the Dance On the Pier event during New York City’s LGBT Pride Week.
The year 2016 saw Ariana partnering with Madonna to raise funds for orphaned children in Malawi. She recorded “Better Days” with Victoria Monét to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
One of her most notable philanthropic efforts came in the form of the “One Love Manchester” concert in 2017, organized to support the victims of the tragic Manchester Arena bombing. The concert raised a remarkable $23 million for the cause and showcased Ariana’s commitment to her community.
Ariana continued to use her platform for social change by participating in events like “A Concert for Charlottesville” in 2017 to benefit victims of the white nationalist rally and joining the “March for Our Lives” movement in 2018 to advocate for gun control legislation. Additionally, she donated the proceeds from the first show of her Sweetener World Tour to Planned Parenthood.
Ariana Grande’s philanthropic efforts have touched a wide range of causes and communities, reflecting her dedication to making the world a better place.
Real Estate
Ariana Grande’s real estate choices have been nothing short of extravagant. In the middle of 2020, she made a series of impressive real estate purchases, collectively totaling a whopping $20 million.
Ariana’s primary residence is a sprawling 6,000-square-foot Beverly Hills mansion. This gated property offers breathtaking views of the Hollywood Hills and features an impressive outdoor space complete with a pool and hot tub. Interestingly, she doesn’t own this house but has been renting it for several years, with the rental price kept under wraps.
In June 2020, Ariana made headlines by acquiring a Hollywood Hills home for a cool $13.7 million. However, just over a year later, in October 2021, she sold this property for $14 million.
Around the same time in June 2020, Ariana purchased a Montecito, California home from Ellen DeGeneres for $6.75 million. It provided a serene escape and boasted stunning features. But in September 2022, she decided to part with this property, selling it for $9.1 million.
While on the East Coast, Ariana enjoys a 4,000-square-foot apartment within the Zaha Hadid Building, reportedly valued at $16 million. It’s a lavish four-bedroom residence located in Manhattan. Whether she rents or owns this luxurious space remains uncertain, as it was initially intended to be shared with her former fiancé, Pete Davidson.
In March 2021, Ariana continued to expand her real estate portfolio with the purchase of another Los Angeles home, which cost her just under $9 million. Her collection of properties reflects her penchant for luxury and an appreciation for unique and stunning living spaces.