Ariana Grande, the award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress, stands as one of the most prominent artists of her generation, her career a constant interplay between stratospheric success and intense media scrutiny.

From her teenage ascent to global superstardom, the 33-year-old has lived a life firmly in the public eye, a journey punctuated by both artistic triumphs and personal challenges, and she has now opted to take a step back from the spotlight.

Here, we chart her rise to fame as she prepares to step away from the public eye.

Rise to stardom

Grande’s career began in the early 2000s with theatre productions, including the Broadway musical 13, before she secured a role in the Nickelodeon TV series Victorious.

As the beloved, red-haired Cat Valentine from 2010 to 2013, and later in the spin-off Sam And Cat alongside Jennette McCurdy, she quickly rose to fame.

However, Grande’s ambition soon shifted towards music, leading to her debut album Yours Truly in 2013, which reached number seven in the UK charts.

Sam and Cat cancellation

Her burgeoning music career, managed by Scooter Braun from 2013, created tensions on the Sam And Cat set, with Grande’s frequent absences reportedly causing friction with McCurdy.

This behind-the-scenes drama, coupled with rumours of preferential treatment and pay disputes – all denied by Grande – ultimately led to the show’s cancellation in 2014.

McCurdy later reflected on her feelings of jealousy and resentment in her 2022 memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, clarifying her anger was directed at the Nickelodeon environment rather than Grande herself.

Life in the spotlight

Grande’s musical trajectory continued upwards with her second studio album, My Everything, in 2014.

Featuring collaborations with artists like Nicki Minaj, Jessie J, and The Weeknd, the record spawned number one singles such as Problem and Bang Bang, cementing her popstar status and earning her first Grammy nomination.

This period also saw a high-profile, albeit brief, romance with rapper Big Sean.

“I hate America” controversy

However, public scrutiny intensified in July 2015 when footage emerged of Grande in a doughnut shop with then-boyfriend Ricky Alvarez.

The incident, occurring on July 4, sparked outrage as she was seen licking products on display and declaring: "I hate Americans. I hate America."

She later issued an apology, asserting her pride in being American and explaining her comments referred to her views on healthy eating.

Manchester terror attack

In 2016, Grande released her chart-topping Dangerous Woman album.

A year later, during its subsequent tour, tragedy struck when a bomb detonated at her concert at the Manchester Arena, killing 22 people and injuring 1,017.

Though physically unharmed, Grande suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. She briefly suspended her tour and organised the One Love Manchester benefit concert, raising over £10 million for victims and their families.

Mac Miller

Her personal life continued to draw headlines, particularly her relationship with close friend and musical collaborator Mac Miller, which began in 2016.

Their two-year romance ended in May 2018, and just months later, Miller tragically died aged 26 from an accidental overdose.

Grande led tributes, remembering him as the "kindest, sweetest soul with demons he never deserved."

“Blackfishing” controversy

Late 2018 and early 2019 saw Grande, who is of Italian descent, face intense public scrutiny over her appearance and heavy use of fake tan.

Accusations of "blackfishing" peaked after the release of her 7 Rings music video, with critics noting a perceived imitation of Black people in her appearance, mannerisms, and speech, a stark contrast to her Nickelodeon persona.

Engagements and marriage

Her romantic life remained a focal point, with a whirlwind engagement to comedian Pete Davidson in May 2018, which ended that October.

Grande later confirmed her relationship with luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez in 2020, leading to their engagement later that year and marriage in 2021.

The couple separated two years later, finalising their divorce in 2024.

Wicked

Grande made a significant return to acting in 2024, starring as Glinda in the film adaptation of the musical Wicked alongside Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey.

The role earned her an Oscar nomination in 2025 for best supporting actress. However, filming brought renewed public attention to her personal life, specifically her relationship with co-star Ethan Slater amidst their respective high-profile divorces.

The promotional tour for Wicked also saw Grande subjected to invasive online commentary scrutinising her appearance and health, culminating in a fan rushing her at the Singapore premiere for Wicked: For Good, prompting Erivo to intervene.