Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande
Barbie Simons · CC BY 3.0 · source
Name	Ariana Grande
Caption	Grande in 2019
Birth name	Ariana Grande-Butera
Birth date	26 June 1993
Birth place	Boca Raton, Florida
Origin	North Broward Preparatory School, Broward County
Genres	Pop, R&B, contemporary
Occupations	Singer, songwriter, actress
Years active	2008–present
Labels	Republic Records

Ariana Grande is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to prominence in the early 2010s. She transitioned from television roles on Nickelodeon to a commercially successful recording career with chart-topping albums and multiple major awards. Grande is known for her four-octave vocal range, pop and R&B fusion, and public advocacy on issues including mental health and LGBTQ rights.

Early life and education

Grande was born Ariana Grande-Butera in Boca Raton, Florida and raised in South Florida communities including Pinecrest and North Broward Preparatory School where she participated in musical theater. She is the daughter of Joan Grande, CEO of HBO's era contemporaries in media, and Edward Butera, a graphic design firm owner; her heritage includes Italian descent with familial roots in Sicily and Abruzzo. Grande studied performing arts through programs linked to regional theaters such as Fort Lauderdale's stage companies and appeared in local productions before joining national touring productions like 13 and later the cast of Victorious.

Career

Grande's early career began in theater and television, with a breakthrough role on Victorious followed by a lead role on the spin-off Sam & Cat, both on Nickelodeon. Transitioning to music, she signed with Republic Records and released her debut studio album, "Yours Truly", which drew attention on charts including the Billboard 200 and singles charts. Subsequent albums—"My Everything", "Dangerous Woman", "Sweetener", "Thank U, Next", and "Positions"—produced collaborations with artists and producers from the pop and R&B scenes including Mac Miller, The Weeknd, Pharrell Williams, Max Martin, Zedd, and Iggy Azalea. Grande has headlined major tours and performed at international festivals and televised events such as the Grammy Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards. She has also collaborated with charitable telethons and benefit concerts, performing alongside artists like Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, and Nicki Minaj.

Musical style and influences

Grande's vocal style is often compared to contemporaries and predecessors in pop and R&B; critics have drawn parallels with singers such as Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Bruno Mars, and Adele. Her music incorporates elements from producers and songwriters including Max Martin, Pharrell Williams, Shellback, Savan Kotecha, and Timbaland, blending pop, contemporary R&B, reggae, and trap-pop. Grande has cited influences ranging from Broadway figures like Meryl Streep's theatrical peers and musical theater composers to recording artists such as Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, and Etta James. Her albums explore themes of love, empowerment, grief, and resilience, often produced in collaboration with labels and studios linked to major industry hubs like Los Angeles and New York City.

Acting and filmography

Grande's acting career began in theater; she starred in the Broadway and touring production of the musical 13 before moving into television with the role of Cat Valentine on Victorious and Sam & Cat for Nickelodeon. She made guest appearances and voice roles in animated and live-action projects, contributing to soundtracks and cameos in productions associated with studios such as Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures. Grande has appeared in feature films and television specials, participated in documentary and concert films, and performed onstage at venues including Madison Square Garden and The O2 Arena.

Personal life

Grande's personal life has been public due to high-profile relationships and media coverage involving figures like Mac Miller, Pete Davidson, and interactions with peers such as Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry. She has been open about mental health struggles and recovery, discussing therapy and support networks that include family and collaborators from the music and entertainment industries. Grande practices vocal health routines and has worked with vocal coaches and medical professionals affiliated with performance medicine centers in Los Angeles and New York City.

Philanthropy and activism

Grande has engaged in philanthropy and activism, responding publicly to events such as the Manchester Arena bombing by organizing the benefit concert "One Love Manchester" with headliners and supporters including Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Miley Cyrus, Take That, and Katy Perry; proceeds supported victims through charities like British Red Cross. She has advocated for LGBTQ rights, partnered with organizations alongside activists from groups such as GLAAD and Human Rights Campaign, and supported mental health initiatives with nonprofit collaborators and awareness campaigns tied to institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Awards and recognition

Grande has received numerous honors from institutions and award shows including the Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, and Brit Awards. Her albums and singles have achieved chart milestones on the Billboard 200 and the Billboard Hot 100, and she has been recognized in lists and rankings by outlets such as Forbes, Time, and Rolling Stone. Industry accolades cite both commercial success and impact on contemporary pop and R&B music.

Category:American singers Category:American actresses