Ariana Grande is an American singer, songwriter, and actress born June 26, 1993, in Florida, who moved from starring as Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s “Victorious” to becoming a global pop superstar. Known for her four-octave vocal range and whistle register capabilities, Grande has sold over 90 million records worldwide, earned two Grammy Awards, and achieved multiple number-one albums including “Yours Truly” and chart-topping singles like “Thank U, Next,” establishing her remarkable career trajectory and ongoing cultural influence.
A trajectory spanning Broadway stages, Nickelodeon television series, and global music charts has established Ariana Grande-Butera as one of contemporary pop music‘s most commercially successful and critically acclaimed artists. Born June 26, 1993, in Florida to Joan Grande and Edward Butera, the Italian-American performer was raised in Boca Raton after her family relocated from New York before her birth.
Grande’s entertainment career commenced with childhood participation in school plays and local theater productions, culminating in her Broadway debut at age 15 in the musical “13” during 2008. Her television breakthrough occurred through Nickelodeon’s “Victorious,” where she portrayed Cat Valentine from 2010 to 2013, followed by the spin-off series “Sam & Cat” that aired from 2013 to 2014. These early television roles contributed greatly to her teen popularity and established her foundation in entertainment.
Grande’s transition from Broadway’s “13” to Nickelodeon’s “Victorious” and “Sam & Cat” established her entertainment foundation and cultivated her devoted teen following.
The change from acting to music began with vocal contributions to the “Victorious” soundtrack in 2011, alongside YouTube cover song uploads that attracted Republic Records’ attention. After signing with the label in 2011, Grande released her debut single “Put Your Hearts Up” in December 2011, followed by her first concert tour, The Listening Sessions, in August 2013.
Commercial success materialized with her debut album “Yours Truly” in 2013, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making Grande the 15th female artist to achieve this milestone with a debut release. Subsequent albums “My Everything” (2014) and “Dangerous Woman” (2016) featured international hits including “Problem,” “Bang Bang,” “Into You,” and “Side to Side,” establishing her signature blend of pop, R&B, and electronic influences.
Grande’s musical prowess centers on her four-octave vocal range extending into the whistle register, influenced by pop divas Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Christina Aguilera. Her artistic evolution progressed from R&B and retro-pop styles toward electronic and trap elements in later releases, characterized by vocal agility, melismatic singing, and theatrical performances. Her single “Thank U, Next” achieved remarkable chart success, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending seven non-consecutive weeks at the top position.
Recognition includes two Grammy Awards, a Brit Award, two Billboard Music Awards, ten MTV VMAs, three American Music Awards, and 39 Guinness World Records. Named the world’s highest-paid female musician in 2020, Grande has sold over 90 million records worldwide, ranking among top-selling artists globally. Like other artists who have successfully transitioned into business ventures, Grande has also expanded her influence beyond music with her r.e.m. beauty cosmetics line. She recently expanded into film with her role as Glinda in the Wicked movie adaptation, which became the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation in domestic box office history.
Beyond music, Grande’s cultural impact encompasses coaching roles on “The Voice,” fashion influence, social media presence, and philanthropic activities. Her mainstream appeal continues through high-profile collaborations and media appearances, including a 2025 Golden Globe nomination for her entertainment work.
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