The Evolution of Ariana Grande: Celebrating Her Greatest Collaborations

Ariana Grande: Celebrating a Pop Princess on Her 30th Birthday

Today marks the 30th birthday of pop sensation Ariana Grande. Having gained fame for her acting roles in the early 2010s, Grande burst onto the music scene at the young age of 20 in 2013. Since then, she has released hit after hit, becoming known for her upbeat bops, carefree lyrics, and scream-along anthems.

In honor of Ariana’s special day, let us take a moment to appreciate her best collaborations with other superstars, highlighting her incredible musical career thus far.

“The Way” with Mac Miller: A Timeless Classic

One of Grande’s earliest collaborations was with rapper Mac Miller on the catchy track “The Way,” which served as the first single from her debut album, “Yours Truly,” released in 2013. The song peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and showcased Grande’s ability to captivate audiences with her music. Notably, this collaboration also became a heartfelt tribute to the late Mac Miller, adding an extra layer of significance to an already beloved track.

“Problem” with Iggy Azalea: A Dancefloor Anthem

Ariana Grande’s collaboration with Australian rapper Iggy Azalea on the track “Problem” took the music world by storm. Released ahead of her second album, “My Everything,” in 2014, this banger combined Grande’s pop vocals with Azalea’s trendy R&B vibes, complete with an unforgettable saxophone beat. “Problem” quickly became Grande’s highest-charting track, reaching No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot 100. With lyrics like “I got 99 problems, but you won’t be one,” it’s no wonder this song also won Best Song at the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards.

“Bang Bang” with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj: The Ultimate Girl Power Collaboration

When Ariana Grande, Jessie J, and Nicki Minaj joined forces for “Bang Bang” in 2014, they created the ultimate collab track. The song’s incredible vocal ranges, sassy lyrics, and iconic rap verse made it an instant summer anthem. Almost a decade later, this GRAMMY-nominated jam is still a favorite on throwback playlists, exemplifying the power of female artists coming together to create something magical.

“Love Me Harder” with The Weeknd: A Seductive Duet

At the time both were up-and-coming artists, Ariana Grande and Canadian singer The Weeknd joined forces for the pop ballad “Love Me Harder.” The song showcased a darker, more seductive vibe for Grande, while still allowing her catchy choruses and smooth vocals to shine. The track topped the charts yet again, giving Grande her fourth consecutive top-10 single. The accompanying music video was also nominated for an MTV Video Music Award for Best Collaboration.

“Faith” with Stevie Wonder: A Toe-Tapping Hit

Ariana Grande revealed her bluesy side when she teamed up with the legendary Stevie Wonder for the toe-tapping hit “Faith.” Released as the first single from the soundtrack of the 2016 animated film “Sing,” the song combined both artists‘ incredible vocal skills and exuded a joyful, soulful vibe that perfectly complemented the film. Its quality was recognized with a nomination for Best Original Song at the 74th Golden Globe Awards.

“Don’t Call Me Angel” with Miley Cyrus and Lana Del Rey: Attitude and Girl Power

In 2019, Ariana Grande switched gears and collaborated with Miley Cyrus and Lana Del Rey for the single “Don’t Call Me Angel,” featured in the Charlie’s Angels reboot. This moody hit added a little attitude to the film’s soundtrack, combining the unique vibes of all three artists into one unforgettable track. Notably, earlier in the same year, Grande made history as the youngest artist at the time to headline Coachella.

“Rain on Me” with Lady Gaga: A Celebration of Resilience

In the chart-topping banger “Rain on Me,” Ariana Grande joined forces with Lady Gaga to create an anthem that boldly celebrates embracing one’s tears while maintaining a danceable electronic pop beat. Both artists have been open about their hardships in the public eye, making this collaboration even more meaningful. At the 63rd GRAMMY Awards, “Rain on Me” made history as the first all-female collaboration to win the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category.

Looking Ahead

As Ariana Grande turns 30, it is clear that she has already achieved tremendous success in her career. However, there is no doubt that she has plenty more talent and creativity to offer. With her unique style, powerful vocals, and ability to collaborate with a variety of artists from different genres, she will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences and leave her mark on the music industry.

So, on Ariana Grande’s special day, let us celebrate her birthday by listening to more of her well-known songs and other pop hits, embracing the moments of joy and inspiration she continues to provide through her art.