Episode of Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century podcast, we arrive at No. 9 on the list, featuring none other than Ariana Grande. Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard writers Kyle Denis and Hannah Dailey to discuss the pop sensation who rose to stardom in the mid-2010s and became one of the most defining artists of the streaming era.
Though she debuted in the pop music scene later than any other artist in the top 10, making her official music debut in 2013, Grande quickly made her mark. She was already a household name thanks to her role as Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s Victorious, where she captured the attention of Gen Z even before her music career took off. Grande’s television fame gave her a platform to launch her music career, but her sound surprised many, contrasting the bubblegum persona fans had associated with her character on the show.
The podcast highlights how Ariana’s musical career can be divided into two distinct “imperial phases.” The first phase began with her rise as a top 40 radio hitmaker in the mid-2010s, where she released chart-topping singles like “Problem,” “Break Free,” and “Love Me Harder.” This period solidified Grande as a force in mainstream pop music. The second phase occurred as Grande transitioned into an artist known for creating emotionally rich, genre-blending pop&B albums in the late 2010s, such as Sweetener and thank u, next. These records displayed her evolution as an artist and allowed her to experiment with new sounds while sharing more personal stories in her music.
However, as the podcast points out, Ariana Grande‘s journey hasn’t been without hardships. Her career was deeply affected by personal tragedies, including the devastating Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, which occurred after her concert and left a lasting impact on her. Despite these challenges, Grande continued to rise, both musically and personally, capturing headlines for her resilience as much as for her music.
The conversation also touches on the sometimes turbulent relationship Ariana has had with her fanbase. From controversies like “Donutgate,” in which she was caught on camera licking a donut and making offhand comments about America, to other celebrity dramas, Grande’s fame has often been intertwined with intense media scrutiny. However, as the podcast hosts argue, these moments only further highlight her status as a pop culture icon — ahead of her time and always in the public eye.
As the podcast concludes, the hosts dive into her recent albums from the 2020s and discuss how she has continued to stay relevant while evolving as an artist. From her early Nickelodeon days to becoming one of the brightest stars of the century, Ariana Grande’s rise to No. 9 on Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century list reflects her extraordinary journey, resilience, and immense talent.
Be sure to listen to the full podcast episode to hear more insights and analysis about Ariana Grande’s career, and stay tuned for upcoming episodes as Billboard continues to reveal their top 21 pop stars of the century.
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