Shirley JuAriana Grande quite possibly might be the biggest pop star of our generation. Hailing from Boca Raton, Florida but now residing in Los Angeles, the singer-songwriter has had a momentous year, especially with the release of thank u, next. The project’s title track itself is an ode to all her ex-boyfriends, including Pete Davidson, Mac Miller and Big Sean.
Beyond her sonically-appealing, feel-good records, it’s her honesty, vulnerability, and authenticity she exudes in all that she does. Her lyrics stem from real-life experiences and allow audiences into her life, proving she goes through obstacles just like the rest of us. At the end of the day, music is her saving grace and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Boasting 166 million followers on Instagram alone, Ari might have one of the biggest fanbases the music industry has ever seen. Everything she does gets picked up, from what she eats for lunch to her interactions with her dog. Most recently, the former Disney star made headlines with the new ink on her hand, the word Toulouse in cursive etched across the back of her hand. Toulouse is the capital of French region Occitanie, also known as The Pink City.
To prepare for Ariana’s highly-anticipated show at The Honda Center in Anaheim on Friday, December 13, Irvine Weekly has compiled eight of her biggest hit records. If you’ve been to an Ari show, you already know it’s going to be a night for the books.
1. “thank u, next”
The second Ariana Grande dropped “thank u, next,” the entire music industry froze. Not only did this pop star just release yet another incredible record, but the realness and vulnerability she bared made the record 10 times greater. This song is an ode to all her ex-boyfriends, including the late Mac Miller, who we all miss dearly.Plus, the Mean Girls-themed music video (which boasts over 448 million views on YouTube) is everything.
2. “Don’t Call Me Angel” featuring Miley Cyrus & Lana Del Rey
This is the female-empowerment song the world has been waiting for. If you saw the recent Charlie’s Angels in theaters, this brings the theme of badass women who slay to life. The song’s official music video has over 118 million views on Youtube and counting, with all three artists dressing up in white angel outfits inside a boxing ring. Ariana’s voice crooning the words “don’t call me angel,” is both catchy and fierce, reminding you females rule the world.
3. “7 Rings”
As with every Ariana song, “7 Rings” broke the internet. With the music video already at over 625 million views on YouTube in less than a year, this record serves as the second single off thank u, next. The title refers to her collection of matching friendship rings Ariana and her six friends purchased in New York. If you’ve got a bestie and you guys share anything matching, you already know the sentimental feelings these items bring.
4. “Side To Side” featuring Nicki Minaj
This is one of the best music videos Ariana has ever put out, clocking it at a whopping 1.6 billion views on YouTube alone. The scene opens with a beautiful Grande leading a sexy cycling class, with all the riders in sync with the dance moves. This is Soulcycle: Ariana Grande edition. Nicki Minaj spits, “I’m the queen of rap, Ariana run pop.” That’s a bar!
5. “The Way” featuring Mac Miller
Rest in peace, Mac Miller — gone way too soon. While fans ate up every second of Ariana and Mac’s relationship, it’s both of their loves and talents for music that made this record what it was. The visual, which clocks in over 382 million views, showcases the two lovebirds hanging, playing and enjoying each other’s company. At the end of the way, it’s that bond you share with your significant other that cannot be replaced.
6. “Boyfriend” featuring Social House
“I’m a motherfucking trainwreck…I don’t want to miss too much. But I don’t wanna miss your touch.” Ariana’s ability to persuade (and unpersuade you) she’s your wifey comes completely naturally. At the end of the day, the secret’s all yours. Although some members of Social House may feel some type of way; 111 million views in just a few months.
7. “no tears left to cry”
Arian’s music is happy, it’s sad, it’s happy, it’s sad… but ultimately it’s happy. “No tears left to cry” seemingly comes off as a depressing song, but it’s actually about coming into your own without needing a partner to hold you up. The record also serves as her ability to blend genres, from dance-pop to disco to dance-R&B over a U.K. garage beat. The song entered the Billboard Hot 100 at #3, as she became the only artist to debut in the Top 10 with the lead single from all of her projects.
8. “Monopoly” featuring Victoria Monét
Ariana and Victoria Monét’s friendship is everything we look for our own. “Monopoly” arrives as a fun-filled, good vibes only anthem amongst two best friends who work together, hang out together, have sleepovers together, and slay together. They croon on the chorus: “Bad vibes, get off of me, Outta here with that fuckery / Treat my goals like property, collect them like Monopoly.” Play this song on repeat as you head into 2020!
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