Music has always been Ariana Grande's first love.
In fact, long before millions of fans fell in love with the singer and actress as Cat Valentine on the hit Nickelodeon show Victorious, she began professionally pursuing her musical career at only eight-years-old. Overcome with inspiration, she embraced her passion wholeheartedly and followed this dream.
After performing with symphonies around her native Florida, Ariana made her national television debut, giving a powerful rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the first-ever broadcast of the national anthem for the Florida Panthers. In 2008, she appeared in the acclaimed musical 13 on Broadway shortly before joining the cast of Victorious.
However, her breakout single for Republic Records, "The Way" featuring Mac Miller, is the best way to get to know Ariana. Over shimmering piano and a slick beat, her voice echoes soulfully before she carries an inescapable and impressive hook as Mac Miller drops a sly verse. It's an undeniable and unforgettable anthem, and you'll love the way it makes you feel.
Still, it's simply a prelude to her forthcoming full-length 2013 debut. Across the record, she embraces influences as diverse as Mariah Carey and Imogen Heap, while cultivating her own style in the process. She's no stranger to standing out though. She went from playing a central character on Victorious, named "Favorite TV Show" at the 2012 Kid's Choice Awards, to garnering her very own spinoff, Sam & Cat. In addition, she voices "Princess Diaspro" on the Nickelodeon animated series Winx Club and voiced the title character of the 2013 animated film, Snowflake.
Along the way, she built a staggering social media presence, making her one of the "Most Asked Actors" on the internet. The Huffington Post listed her as the "Third Most Influential Actress Online" above Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Aniston, while Billboard even dubbed her "Most Influential Person to Watch Online". To date, she has amassed over 5 million Twitter followers, 3 million Facebook likes, 3 million Instagram followers, and 150 million YouTube/VEVO views.
Ariana never forgets where she came from either and continues to give back. She co-founded the youth singing group Kids Who Care in South Florida, which raised over $500,000 for charities in 2007 alone. She also traveled to Gugulethu, South Africa to teach music and dance to children as part of Broadway in South Africa.
Ultimately, the new album will welcome everyone into Ariana's world, and It's a wonderful place.
