Ariana Grande: A timeline of her life in the spotlight
By Carla Feric, Press Association Entertainment Reporter
Ariana Grande is an award-winning singer, songwriter and actress – who is one of the most high-profile artists of her generation.
The 33-year-old rocketed to fame in her teenage years and has since lived a life in the headlines, often facing intense media scrutiny.
Here is a timeline of her career and her life in the spotlight:
Rise to stardom
Grande launched her career in the early 2000s and featured in theatre productions including Broadway musical 13 before landing a role in Nickelodeon TV show Victorious, marking the start of her meteoric rise to fame.
She appeared in the teen sitcom as the lovable, red-haired Cat Valentine from 2010 until 2013, and later starred alongside Jennette McCurdy in its spin-off series titled Sam And Cat.
Grande was keen to pivot from acting and focus on her musical career, releasing her debut album Yours Truly in 2013 – which peaked at number seven in the UK charts.
Sam And Cat cancellation
Grande signed with talent manager Scooter Braun in 2013 and started to pursue her music while continuing to enjoy her acting career in Sam And Cat.
Her budding music career meant she often missed filming, causing behind-the-scenes tension between her and McCurdy – ultimately resulting in the show being cancelled in 2014.
The stars hit the headlines at the time amid the rumoured on-set drama, which also included reports of preferential treatment and pay disputes, all of which were denied by Grande.
McCurdy detailed her feelings of jealousy and resentment in her 2022 memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died, and clarified that her anger was not directed solely at Grande, but at the environment of the Nickelodeon show.
– Life in the spotlight
Grande released My Everything – her second studio album – in 2014 which peaked at number three on the charts, and included number one singles such as Problem and Bang Bang.
The record featured collaborations with artists such as Nicki Minaj, Jessie J and The Weeknd, and cemented Grande’s reputation as a popstar – resulting in her first Grammy nomination.
The star also collaborated with rapper Big Sean during this time – with whom she had a brief but high-profile romance.
“I hate America” controversy
The popstar hit the headlines in July 2015 after footage of her in a doughnut shop with her then-boyfriend Ricky Alvarez went viral.
The incident took place on July 4th, and sparked outrage as Grande was seen licking the products on display and saying: “I hate Americans. I hate America.”
She later issued a statement apologising for her behaviour, insisting that she is “proud to be American” and that her comments referred to her views on healthy eating.
Manchester terror attack
The singer released her Dangerous Woman album in 2016, which topped charts internationally.
A year later, during her subsequent tour, a bomb went off during her concert at the Manchester Arena, claiming the lives of 22 people and leaving 1,017 injured.
Grande was physically unharmed in the terror attack, but suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder afterwards.
Almost two weeks after the atrocity, Grande briefly suspended her tour and organised the One Love Manchester benefit concert – which helped to raise more than £10 million for victims and their families.
Mac Miller
Grande started dating her close friend and musical partner Mac Miller in 2016.
The singer and rapper collaborated on multiple projects before, during and after their two-year relationship – which ended in May 2018.
In September, just months after they split, the rapper died aged 26 after an accidental overdose.
Grande led the tributes for Miller and remembered him as the “kindest, sweetest soul with demons he never deserved”.
“Blackfishing” controversy
The singer, who is of Italian descent, faced intense public scrutiny about her appearance and her heavy use of fake tan in late 2018 and early 2019.
The criticism peaked after the release of her 7 Rings music video, which saw the star embrace R&B and hip-hop influences.
Grande was accused of imitating black people with her appearance, and also due to her mannerisms and speech – with fans noting she was presenting herself in a different way compared to during her Nickelodeon fame.
Engagements and marriage
Grande started dating comedian and actor Pete Davidson in May 2018, embarking on a whirlwind romance which saw them engaged in June.
The stars called off their relationship in October 2018.
Grande confirmed her relationship with luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez in 2020, and the pair announced their engagement later that year.
They tied the knot in 2021 – but separated two years later, finalising their divorce in 2024.
Wicked
Grande returned to her acting roots in 2024 as Glinda in the film adaptation of the musical Wicked alongside Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey.
The role earned Grande her first Oscar nomination in 2025 in the best supporting actress category.
The star hit the headlines during filming as a result of her relationship with co-star Ethan Slater – amid their high-profile divorces from their respective former spouses.
Throughout the promotional press tour for both instalments of the film, Grande was faced with invasive online commentary scrutinising her appearance and questioning her health.
The singer was also rushed by a fan during the Singapore premiere for the second film – Wicked: For Good – prompting her co-star Erivo to physically intervene.
