From teen queen to pop sensation, Ariana Grande has always been a force of nature—driven by raw talent, relentless determination, and an unmistakable voice that seemed destined for stardom. Born in Boca Raton, Ariana was already performing on cruise ships by the age of eight, showcasing a passion for the spotlight that would only grow stronger with time. By her teenage years, she had graced the legendary stages of Broadway, proving her mettle in the musical “13”—a role that earned her the National Youth Theatre Association Award in 2008, marking the first of many accolades in what would become a dazzling career.
Even as her theater roots flourished, Ariana’s path began shifting toward television. She landed a major role in Nickelodeon’s “Victorious” (2010–2013), which brought her from New York to sunny California and introduced her to a whole new audience. But Ariana never strayed far from the stage—while filming in Hollywood, she took on the role of Snow White in the Pasadena Playhouse’s festive production “A Snow White Christmas” (2012), sharing the spotlight with stars like Charlene Tilton and Neil Patrick Harris.
When “Victorious” wrapped in 2012, Nickelodeon quickly launched a spinoff: “Sam & Cat” (2013–2014), teaming Ariana’s beloved character Cat Valentine with Jennette McCurdy’s Sam from “iCarly.” The show became a hit, further cementing Ariana’s status as a top young star. Yet, while most would’ve been content with back-to-back TV successes, Ariana Grande wasn’t one to slow down. A self-described perfectionist and workaholic, she was already setting her sights on music.
With a powerful three-octave vocal range that turned heads, it was almost inevitable that Ariana would transition into pop. Her debut single, “The Way,” dropped in 2013 and soared to double platinum status. That same year, she released her first album, Yours Truly, featuring hits like “Baby I” and “Right There.” In a nod to classic showbiz flair, Ariana followed up with a holiday release, Christmas Kisses—and later, in 2015, gave fans Christmas & Chill, another festive favorite.
Her momentum didn’t stop there. In August 2014, Ariana dropped her second album, My Everything, which went double platinum and produced four Top 10 singles. But with fame came scrutiny—like when a video surfaced of her licking a doughnut in a Las Vegas shop and making comments about American obesity, sparking backlash. Still, Ariana responded with grace, using her platform to speak out against misogyny and double standards in a heartfelt social media post that reminded fans of her depth and integrity.
In 2016, she released Dangerous Woman, her third studio album, and starred as Pinny Pingleton in NBC’s live musical event “Hairspray Live!”—further proving her versatility. Then, in May 2017, tragedy struck during her concert in Manchester, England, when a suicide bomber attacked the audience. Deeply affected, Ariana showed incredible courage by organizing and headlining the “One Love Manchester” benefit concert just two weeks later—a powerful act of healing and unity.
That same year, she teamed up with John Legend to record a new version of “Beauty and the Beast” for the live-action film, putting her own stamp on a Disney classic. In 2018, Ariana teased her fourth album with the emotional single “No Tears Left to Cry,” which climbed into the Top 5. The full album, Sweetener, arrived in August and included a sweet, if short-lived, tribute track titled “Pete Davidson,” named after the comedian she impulsively got engaged to that summer. Sadly, the engagement ended in October 2018, following the devastating loss of her former boyfriend, rapper Mac Miller.
Through every chapter—from child performer to Broadway prodigy, TV darling to global pop icon—Ariana Grande has remained a symbol of resilience, artistry, and unwavering ambition.
When it comes to Ariana Grande’s filmography, fans and critics alike have taken notice of her standout performances. Ariana Grande truly shines in Wicked (2024), which has emerged as her highest-rated movie to date—earning praise for both its visuals and Ariana Grande’s compelling portrayal of a beloved character. On the other end of the spectrum, Ariana Grande: Excuse Me, I Love You (2020) holds the spot as her lowest rated project, though it still offers an intimate look into her world. While Ariana Grande continues to build her acting resume, it’s clear that each role adds depth to her evolving career. Ariana Grande definitely knows how to leave a lasting impression, whether on stage or on screen.