Ariana Grande-Butera is one of the defining voices of the 21st century, a powerhouse vocalist whose career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. From her start as a beloved teen actress on Nickelodeon’s shows like “Victorious” and “Sam and Cat,” she quickly transitioned into a global pop superstar, dominating charts with her signature four-octave range and a string of platinum hits.
Now, as she takes on the iconic role of Glinda in the highly anticipated film adaptation of the musical “Wicked,” her journey continues to captivate. Dive into 20 quick facts that trace her evolution from a Florida native with a distinctive red ponytail to a two-time Grammy winner, business mogul, and a bona fide cultural phenomenon.
Florida Roots and Birthday
Ariana Grande-Butera was born on June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida. Her parents are Joan Grande, the CEO of Hose-McCann Communications, and Edward Butera, a graphic designer.
Broadway Debut in ‘13’
Her first major professional role was in 2008 when she played the cheerleader Charlotte in the Broadway musical “13.” She was only 15 years old at the time and won a National Youth Theatre Association Award for her performance.
Star Turn as Cat Valentine
She gained widespread fame playing the sweet, scatterbrained character Cat Valentine on the popular Nickelodeon show Victorious from 2010 to 2013. The character became a fan favorite, leading to her next major role.
The Red Hair Problem
For the role of Cat Valentine, she was required to continuously dye her hair bright red every couple of weeks, which eventually caused significant damage to her natural hair. This constant dyeing is the reason she began wearing her signature high ponytail extension.
Continuing the Story with ‘Sam and Cat’
After “Victorious” concluded, she reprised her popular character in the spin-off series “Sam and Cat,” which aired from 2013 to 2014. The show paired her character with Jennette McCurdy’s character Sam Puckett from “iCarly.”
The Remarkable Vocal Range
Ariana Grande is celebrated for her exceptional four-octave vocal range, which is one of the widest in the pop industry. She is also adept at singing in the whistle register, the highest part of the human voice.
Chart-Topping Debut Album
Her debut studio album, Yours Truly, was released in 2013 and immediately demonstrated her star power. It successfully debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart.
Comparisons to the Queen of Christmas
Due to her powerful vocal technique and ability to blend Rythm and Blues influences with pop, she is frequently compared to legendary vocalist Mariah Carey. Grande has stated that Carey is one of her biggest influences.
Winning the First Grammy
Her 2018 album Sweetener, featuring hits like “God Is a Woman” and “No Tears Left to Cry,” was a critical success. It earned her her first prestigious Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.
Historic Billboard Hot 100 Achievement
Her 2019 album Thank U, Next secured a historic achievement on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The singles “Thank U, Next,” “7 Rings,” and “Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored” simultaneously occupied the top three spots, a feat previously only accomplished by The Beatles.
Multiple Guinness World Records
Ariana Grande holds over 40 Guinness World Records for her various achievements in music. These records include being the female artist with the most streams on Spotify and the most followers on Instagram at one point.
Coachella Headliner Status
In 2019, she was the youngest artist ever to headline the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Her performance was highly acclaimed and included a surprise reunion with members of the boy band NSYNC.
A Billion-Dollar Fragrance Empire
Beyond music, she is a successful entrepreneur who has released a highly popular line of fragrances. Her perfumes, including Cloud and Sweet Like Candy, have reportedly grossed well over $1 billion in sales globally.
Launching R.E.M. Beauty
In 2021, she expanded her business ventures by launching her own cosmetics brand, R.E.M. Beauty. The brand is vegan and cruelty-free, offering products inspired by science fiction and space.
The Name for Her Loyal Fanbase
Her dedicated and immense global fanbase is affectionately known by the name “Arianators.” They are known for their passionate support and loyalty across her various projects.
Devoted Animal Rights Activist
Ariana Grande is a vocal and active advocate for animal rights and animal welfare causes. She is the proud owner of several rescue dogs, whom she often features on her social media.
Organizing One Love Manchester
In 2017, following the tragic terrorist attack at her concert in Manchester, UK, she quickly organized the “One Love Manchester” benefit concert. The star-studded event raised millions of dollars to support the victims and their families.
Coaching on The Voice
She took on the role of a celebrity coach for the 21st season of the popular singing competition series The Voice in 2021. This move demonstrated her dedication to mentoring up-and-coming talent.
Becoming Glinda in ‘Wicked’
She was cast as Glinda the Good Witch in the two-part film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical “Wicked.” The first film premiered in 2024, and the second will be released this Thursday, the 21st.
Honoring Her Full Name for Film
For her credits in the “Wicked” films, she made the decision to use her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera. She explained that using the full name was a deliberate choice to honor her family and feel like a “homecoming” to her true self.