Ariana Grande is one of pop’s modern-day legends. Her career is shaping up to be era-defining. Even through all the twists and turns of her stardom, Grande has maintained her top spot in the pop world.
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A large part of her stronghold is due to her incomparable live performances. Take a look back at four of Grande’s best star turns on stage, below.
1. “Bang Bang” at 2014 American Music Awards
Back when she was just starting to make her name as a pop princess, Grande joined forces with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj for a powerhouse performance of “Bang Bang.” Grande held her own with her collaborators, delivering name-making high notes. One of our favorite renditions of this track came during the 2014 American Music Awards. The trio took the stage for a performance that will surely go down in pop history.
She might’ve let you hold her hand in school
But I’ma show you how to graduate
No, I don’t need to hear you talk the talk
Just come and show me what your mama gave
2. “Thank U Next” on the Ellen Show in 2018
Flashing forward several years, our next entry comes from Grande’s 2018 appearance on The Ellen Show. Inspired by one of her favorites films, The First Wives Club, Grande and her backup vocalists (one of which is 2024 breakout star Victoria Monét) powered through this catchy yet equally as emotional track.
One taught me love
One taught me patience
And one taught me pain
Now, I’m so amazing
Say I’ve loved and I’ve lost
But that’s not what I see
So, look what I got
Look at what you taught me
3. “God is a Woman” at 2018 MTV VMAs
Flanked by a host of disciples…I mean dancers, Grande delivered her own spin on The Last Supper while performing “God is a Woman” at the 2018 MTV VMAs. The scale of this performance was larger than anything she had done previously. It pushed her into a new stratosphere of pop stardom.
You, you love it how I move you
You love it how I touch you, my one
When all is said and done
You’ll believe God is a woman
And I, I feel it after midnight
A feelin’ that you can’t fight, my one
It lingers when we’re done
You’ll believe God is a woman
4. “we can’t be friends” Live Version
Our last entry comes from the latest era of Grande’s career. The live version of “we can’t be friends” showcases Grande’s new and improved vocals post-Wicked. This disco anthem/personal mantra is sneakily emotional. The live version makes that fact more apparent than what she put down in the studio.
We can’t be friends
But I’d like to just pretend
You cling to your papers and pens
Wait until you like me again
Wait for your love
Love, I’ll wait for your love
(Photo by James Gourley/Shutterstock)
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