2011 was the first time I was introduced to a red-headed Nickelodeon star. Her name was Cat Valentine on TV, but of course, her name is Ariana Grande. Victorious was a show that I did not really watch a lot. I used to just skim through and watch it for laughs most of the time.
I always used to think that Ariana's character was really enjoyable and funny to watch. Especially when I first got to hear those pipes that she has. I was not only stunned but I was excited to see how her career was going to take off. I could not wait to see what the next chapter of her life had in store for her. I know that sounded a bit dramatic but who cares, I meant what I said.
After Victorious ended was the beginning of a new chapter in Ariana's career. 'The Way' featuring the late Mac Miller became an instant hit. However even before it took off the way that it did, I remember also falling in love with Ariana for this reason. The reason was YouTube. She had put on her YouTube channel her doing covers from other artists such as Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and even famous Broadway stars.
Her creativity and balance between that hip-hop, R&B, and pop sound also struck my ears. But not even just music, her love for classic films and their stars were also showing her creative and fun style as well. She would even do multiple impressions. I was hooked. But back to 'The Way'. I heard it from Tumblr and immediately noticed that it was sampled from another popular song. In 1998, late rapper Big Pun and R&B singer Joe had their hit song titled 'Still Not A Player' which was a sample from Brenda Russell's song 'A Little Bit Of Love'. I was so excited to hear that not only did Ariana sample from two hit songs but also because the songs were big in categories other than pop.
I could not wait to see how successful this song would be. But of course, it instantly became popular as Ariana's first hit album became popular as well. Her second album 'My Everything' was proven to be another big step in her career. With even more collaborations from several biggies in hip-hop and R&B. A$AP Ferg, Childish Gambino, and The Weeknd were among many on the collaboration list. That was also around the time that she was able to perform at the Grammys. Oh, and did I mention that it was the first time I got to see her in concert? All I can say that it was no disappointment from start to finish.
Unfortunately with fame came a price. A leaked video of Ariana licking a donut became viral and many were starting to question her. I rolled my eyes for the sake of being. Who cares if she licked a donut? If that was the worst thing that she's done, it doesn't affect me to any sorts. Eventually was the release of 'Dangerous Woman'. Just as I was listening to the into nothing was surprising me since all the vocals were on point, the collaborations were on point, and the title alone seemed to speak for itself as the album's theme was aimed more for feminism and individuality.
I was here for ALL OF IT! Although I did not attend the Dangerous Woman tour, I heard nothing but amazing things about the production and the overall way that she gave her all every night. However, on the evening of May 22, 2017, did not end up like all the other nights on tour. She was performing overseas in the UK when a tragedy happened. By the end of her performances, a bomb went off in the Manchester arena.
This attack was registered a suicide bombing that unfortunately took the lives of 23 people including the bomber. This news was not only devastating to fans but imagine this…imagine you just exiting the stage that you could not wait to perform on only to get the news that people had lost their lives. People that probably have never gotten the privilege to see you in concert, to begin with. Imagine that being those 23 people's first concert only for it to be their last. Fortunately, a benefit concert was put into play by Ariana as she performed along with other UK artists and all her other friends in the industry alike. I cried for the entire thing, and I have no regrets expressing how I felt.
I was not just in love with the whole thing but how she handled it. It takes a truly strong woman to deal with tragedy in their own hands. That had defined Ariana to be both of those things. Now in the 'sweetener' era that we are currently in, it just gives more and more of an exciting look into what she will do next. Unfortunately, with the passing of her former and late significant other, rapper Mac Miller. There is always sun where the clouds have tried to cover it. Her new single 'Thank U, Next' is not only a number one hit, but it's also a song that she reflects on self-love for herself.
As she states in the song that she is very grateful for all of the men that she has ever had in her life. I wish I can put more into why I love this woman so much, but I think I've said my part (at least so far). She is one of the most courageous, strongest, and funniest women that continues to be growing more and more. I'm happy with tears of joy to say that I'm looking forward to every next chapter along the way.