Grew Up With Her: Why Ariana Grande Owns This Generation.

Written By Audree Saluta

Culture, Fashion & Live Events Contributor.

Ariana Grande is arguably the vocalist of our generation, but her influence stretches far beyond her voice. I am 26 years old and I grew up with Ari in a very literal way. In 2010, I watched her on Nickelodeon in her breakout role as Cat Valentine on Victorious, a show following high schoolers at a performing arts school. Think, singing, dancing, and acting everything Ariana did outside of the show as well. Naturally, this led her into her debut album, My Everything, in 2013, which went absolutely platinum on my iPod Touch. Ariana moving into music was more than just a career shift; she reshaped what modern pop could sound and feel like. Thirteen years and eight studio albums later, she has built a loyal, almost cult-like fanbase known as the Arianators. Watching her go through her multiple stages in life, with each album marking a different chapter, has always felt personal because we have seen her entire journey unfold in front of us.

As fans, we feel connected because we experienced these eras alongside her and have supported her through it all.

It wasn’t just her impact on pop music that defined this era of her career. Ariana also stepped fully into the film world and proved that she could command the screen just as powerfully as she does a stage. In 2024, Ariana Grande debuted in her dream role as Glinda in the movie Wicked, a character that she has loved since childhood. The film introduced her to an entirely new audience who had only known her as a pop star and weren’t sure if she could take on such an iconic role. She proved every doubt wrong. Wicked went on to be the highest grossing stage-to-film adaptation of all time, solidifying her place not just in music but in modern film culture as well.

Ariana Grande is truly a cultural force and the power she holds is exactly why the Eternal Sunshine Tour turned into a frenzy before it even began. Entire arenas with multiple show dates sold out within minutes, and resale prices climbed into the thousands, showing just how intense the demand for her presence is. Every night of the tour has turned into a viral moment with vocals, transitions, and visuals taking over timelines and reminding people why she has remained at the center of pop culture for more than a decade.

Ariana is not just a pop star. She is a multi platform force shaping how this generation experiences sound, style, and stardom. 

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