The Spectacular Evolution of Ariana Grande: From Nickelodeon Star to Grammy-Winning Diva, Unveiling Her Iconic Romances and Beyond

Starting from her modest origins in Boca Raton, Florida, Ariana Grande has risen to become a widely known figure in the entertainment sector.

Demonstrating a natural talent for captivating audiences from a young age, the singer showcased her abilities through captivating performances at several children's theaters and local musicals. This paved the way for her breakthrough opportunity as Cat Valentine on the acclaimed Nickelodeon series Victorious.

Grande transitioned from her acting career to music when she released her debut album, Yours Truly, in 2013. Since then, she has released a total of five records, including My Everything (2014), Dangerous Woman (2016), Sweetener (2018), thank u, next (2019), and Positions (2020).

In addition to her music, Grande's high-profile relationships have also garnered a significant amount of attention over the years. After dating Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, Mac Miller, and Pete Davidson, she got married to real estate agent Dalton Gomez in May 2021. However, Us confirmed in July 2023 that the couple had decided to end their marriage after two years.

Scroll down to take a look back at Grande through the years:

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Ariana Grande Through the Years: Nickelodeon, Grammy-Winning Albums, High-Profiles Romances and Beyond

Starting from humble origins in Boca Raton, Florida, Ariana Grande has emerged as a prominent figure in the entertainment sector.

Displaying a natural talent for captivating audiences from a young age, she honed her skills by participating in numerous children's theaters and local musical productions. Eventually, Grande secured her breakthrough opportunity as Cat Valentine on the renowned Nickelodeon program, Victorious.

Grande entered the music industry in 2013 with her debut album, Yours Truly, marking a shift from her acting career. Since then, she has released a total of five albums: My Everything (2014), Dangerous Woman (2016), Sweetener (2018), thank u, next (2019), and Positions (2020).

In addition to her music, Grande's high-profile romantic relationships have also garnered significant attention. After dating Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, Mac Miller, and Pete Davidson, she married real estate agent Dalton Gomez in May 2021. However, in July 2023, it was confirmed that the couple had decided to end their marriage after two years.

Scroll down to take a look back at Grande through the years:

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2008

Before making her small-screen debut, Grande starred as cheerleader Charlotte in the Broadway production of the musical 13.

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2010

The actress made her debut on Victorious, the Nickelodeon sitcom that followed the lives of students at a performing arts high school. She starred alongside Elizabeth Gillies, her 13 costar. To portray the character of Cat Valentine, Grande transformed her hair into a vibrant shade of red. The show aired for four successful seasons, from 2010 to 2013.

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2013

The TV star returned to her role on Nickelodeon's Sam & Cat, a spinoff of the popular shows Victorious and iCarly. Alongside Jennette McCurdy as Sam Puckett, the show achieved high ratings but sadly only lasted for a single season.

These two programs played a crucial role in elevating the rising star to the status of a teenage idol. However, her true passion lay in pursuing a music career. In a May 2014 interview with Rolling Stone, she expressed that while acting was enjoyable, music always took priority in her life.

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August 2013

After three years of recording, the teen idol finally released her highly anticipated debut album, Yours Truly. The album quickly skyrocketed to the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart, largely due to the massive success of its lead single "The Way," featuring Miller. Not stopping there, the album also spawned other hit singles such as "Baby I" and "Right There."

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August 2013

Grande served as an opening act during three dates of Justin Bieber’s hugely successful Believe tour, two of which were in her home state of Florida.

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2014

The performer took the stage two times at the White House while Barack Obama held the presidency. The first performance was at the “Women of Soul” concert in March 2014, and the second took place the following month during the Easter Egg Roll.

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August 2014

Ariana Grande's second album, My Everything, ascended to the number one spot on the Billboard 200, marking her second consecutive chart-topping release. This time, Grande delved into more mature subject matter through a collection of impressive singles. Collaborations with renowned artists such as Iggy Azalea on "Problem," Zedd on "Break Free," Jessie J and Nicki Minaj on "Bang Bang," and The Weeknd on "Love Me Harder" showcased her versatility. Additionally, her track "One Last Time" also made a significant impact. The exceptional quality of My Everything resulted in a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album.

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April 2015

Grande and rapper Big Sean have mutually decided to end their romantic relationship after eight months. Their representatives released a statement stating that they still have deep love and care for each other and will continue to remain good friends. They have also requested the media to respect their privacy during this personal phase.

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2015

The actor with multiple talents went back to her beginnings in acting by taking on a guest-starring role in the four-episode run of the short-lived Fox comedy horror series Scream Queens. Portraying the character Chanel No. 2, she met her demise in the initial episode, only to make a surprising reappearance later in the first season.

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May 2016

Grande's third album, Dangerous Woman, marked her first entry at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. Despite not reaching the top, the album received widespread acclaim and garnered Grande yet another Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album. The album's notable singles encompassed the title track, "Into You," and the collaboration with Minaj, "Side to Side."

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December 2016

The TV star played Penny Pingleton on NBC’s Hairspray Live! alongside castmates such as Harvey Fierstein, Kristin Chenoweth and Jennifer Hudson.

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2016

Following their on-screen lip-lock in the music video for "The Way," Grande and Miller repeatedly evaded inquiries about their bond during interviews. It was not until 2016 when they publicly acknowledged their romantic involvement on Instagram. A post featuring Grande playfully restraining the rapper in a headlock while sharing a laughter served as their official announcement.

The collaborative partnership between the duo continued with the release of the track "My Favorite Part" on Miller's album The Divine Feminine in 2016. However, their relationship came to an end in May 2018 after almost two years of dating.

Just four months later, following the untimely death of the musician known as "2009" due to an accidental overdose, Grande shared her deep sorrow. She posted a heartfelt video of the Pittsburgh native and expressed her feelings of being "mad" and "sad" about the tragedy. In the caption, she apologized for not being able to alleviate his pain and expressed her genuine desire to do so.

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June 2017

Following a devastating suicide bombing at her concert in Manchester, England, which claimed the lives of 22 fans and left numerous people injured, Grande took the initiative to organize a remarkable event called the One Love Manchester benefit. This incredible gathering witnessed heartfelt performances by Grande herself, alongside renowned artists like Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Bieber, Coldplay, and many others. The concert proved to be a tremendous success in terms of support, as it generated over $13 million in donations for the victims and their families, all of which were channeled through the British Red Cross.

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June 2018

We were the first to report on Grande and Davidson's engagement, which occurred mere weeks into their relationship. The pair openly expressed their admiration for one another in numerous interviews, with the pop star going so far as to dedicate a heartfelt song to him on her album Sweetener, released in August 2018, referring to him as her "soulmate."

In October, the pair eventually parted ways. However, in March 2019, the musician behind "Bang Bang" shared via an Instagram post that she was still in the process of healing but was determined to continue with her Sweetener world tour.

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August 2018

Grande's fourth album, Sweetener, was released and immediately soared to the top spot, making it her third album to debut at No. 1. Additionally, it earned her a coveted Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album, which she triumphantly won the following February. The album features chart-topping singles such as "No Tears Left to Cry," "God Is a Woman," and "Breathin."

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February 2019

Following Miller’s untimely passing and her separation from Davidson, the pop icon unveiled her fifth studio album, titled "Thank U, Next." The album's titular track swiftly claimed the top spot on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart, swiftly followed by her second single, "7 Rings."

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March 2019

Grande initiated her Sweetener world tour in Albany, New York, at Times Union Center. Prior to her performance, the arena resonated with Miller's track "Dang!" resounding through the speakers. The tour, consisting of a grand total of 101 scheduled concerts, is set to continue until December, making it Grande's lengthiest tour to date.

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April 2019

The 2019 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California was headlined by the entertainer. During her performance, she surprised the audience by inviting four members of ‘NSync to join her on stage for renditions of their hit songs "Tearin' Up My Heart" and "Break Up With Your Girlfriend (I'm Bored)." Unfortunately, Justin Timberlake was unable to participate as he had just completed his solo tour.

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June 2019

The musician commemorated her 26th birthday by enjoying a birthday celebration with friends and family, complete with a cake fashioned in the likeness of her hit song "7 Rings." Grande shared a photo of herself in a black bunny ear headband and a sleek satin dress, captioning it with a playful remark about her continued affinity for the ears. Expressing gratitude for the love and companionship she experiences in life, she also thanked everyone for their birthday wishes and reassured them that she had quickly switched into a comfortable hoodie shortly after the photo was taken.

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June 2019

The "my hair" singer, during a summer break in her Sweetener world tour, was seen breaking down multiple times in videos recorded by fans. The concert was held in Pittsburgh, the hometown of her late ex-boyfriend Miller, almost a year after his tragic passing.

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November 2019

Lexington Concert Cancellation: Ariana Grande's Health Crisis

Ariana Grande, renowned as the "Dangerous Woman" singer, has regrettably announced the cancellation of her highly anticipated concert in Lexington, Kentucky. This heartbreaking decision comes as she continues to grapple with a distressing and puzzling illness. Confessing on November 16, Ariana admitted to enduring unbearable pain, a discomfort that has plagued her since her performances in London during mid-October. Adding to her troubles, the talented performer had been bravely confronting panic attacks, depression, and anxiety since the month of August.

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October 2020

Grande achieved her fifth number one album on the Billboard charts with the release of Positions, her sixth studio album. This highly anticipated album includes exciting collaborations with Doja Cat, Ty Dolla Sign, and other talented artists. Moreover, Positions earned Grande a well-deserved Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album.

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December 2020

Two years after her split from fiancé Davidson, a source confirmed to Us that the pop star was engaged to Gomez.

"Ariana is absolutely thrilled. She has truly relished the opportunity to connect with and develop a deep affection for Dalton away from the public eye, a luxury she had not experienced in her previous relationships," the source shared. "Their love for each other is undeniably strong, and they are wholeheartedly dedicated to a lifetime of togetherness."

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January 2020

The Scream Queens star made a glamorous appearance on the red carpet of the Grammy Awards alongside her parents, Joan and Edward Butera. After a previous rift, she managed to reconnect with her dad in late 2019. Later in the show, Grande took the stage to deliver a mesmerizing performance, showcasing a medley of her hit songs. This came a year after she had opted out of attending the event due to a disagreement with a producer.

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March 2020

A source revealed to Us in March 2020 that the romantic relationship between the actress and Social House singer Mikey Foster came to an end "around a month ago," following their initial connection in August 2019.

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May 2020

Grande and Justin Bieber's charity collaboration, "Stuck With U," was released on May 8 and quickly reached the top spot on the Billboard chart. However, Tekashi69 criticized their achievement, alleging that the singers had manipulated the charts by using multiple credit cards.

In response, Grande took to Instagram and defended the legitimacy of their success, stating that their devoted fans had genuinely purchased the song, adhering to the rules that limit each person to buying a maximum of four copies. She expressed her gratitude for her loyal fans, who support her not only during times of victory but also because they are remarkable individuals. Grande emphasized the significance of sales over streams and dismissed any attempts to undermine their achievement.

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May 2020

On May 22, the Florida-born artist and Lady Gaga released their collaboration titled "Rain on Me." Prior to its debut, Gaga described the song as a "celebration of all tears" during an interview with Paper magazine.

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June 2020

Grande and her boyfriend Dalton Gomez went public on Instagram on June 25, just a day before her 27th birthday. The former Nickelodeon star shared a collection of photos from their time spent together during the coronavirus quarantine, captioning it with "Almost 27 :)". Their relationship was initially spotted in February, and it was confirmed by Us the following month that they are indeed dating.

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March 2021

It was announced that the “Save Your Tears” songstress would be replacing Nick Jonas for The Voice’s 21st season.

"I've been an avid supporter of the show for an extensive period," she expressed in a statement back then. "Anticipating the opportunity to compete against the extraordinary coaches, acquaint myself with these up-and-coming artists, and aid in elevating their artistic abilities to unprecedented heights."

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May 2021

Grande exchanged vows with Gomez during a cozy spring gathering attended by an intimate circle of less than 20 individuals. "The atmosphere brimmed with joy and affection," verified a spokesperson for the singer to Us during that period. "The newlyweds and their respective families are absolutely overjoyed."

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November 2021

After hearing the news of her role alongside Cynthia Erivo in the highly anticipated Wicked movie, the talented artist behind "bad idea" extended her gratitude by sending a lovely bouquet of flowers to her co-star from England.

In a heartfelt message uncovered through Erivo's social media, Grande expressed, "Dear Cynthia, It is an immense honor that words cannot adequately describe. I am filled with anticipation to embrace you. Until we meet in Oz, all my affection, Ari."

The Sam & Cat alum’s mom, Joan Grande, noted via Instagram at the time that she was “bursting with pride” over the news.

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November 2021

Grande released a line of mod-style beauty products and teased fans ahead of the launch of r.e.m. beauty in a Barbarella-inspired look that was every bit ‘60s.

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December 2021

Grande starred in the Adam McKay-directed apocalyptic satire Don't Look Up, alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, and Jonah Hill. In the film, she portrayed Riley Bina, a global music star whose turbulent relationship with DJ Chello (Kid Cudi) diverted public attention from the looming catastrophe.

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March 2022

The singer, known for her hit song "just like magic," showed that she holds no ill feelings towards her ex, Davidson, by sending a thoughtful press package to his new girlfriend, Kim Kardashian. The package contained the exciting launch of her "chapter 2" r.e.m. beauty products for the upcoming spring season.

The gesture did not go unnoticed by The Kardashians star who took to her Instagram Stories to show off the collection.

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December 2022

Five years after the tragic event, the singer generously donated gifts for Christmas to be distributed among infants, children, and adolescents at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

The hospital's Twitter account expressed gratitude, stating, "A heartfelt thank you to Ariana for bringing joy to the young patients in our hospitals with her thoughtful Christmas gifts."

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2023

After two years of marriage, Grande and Gomez have officially separated in July 2023, as confirmed by Us. According to a source, the couple has been facing issues for several months now. These problems existed even before Grande departed for her filming of Wicked in London, and unfortunately, the distance between them only aggravated the situation. As a result, they have not been in communication and are currently living separate lives. It is highly likely that they will pursue a divorce.

Shortly before the pair’s breakup made headlines, Grande was spotted sans wedding ring at Wimbledon.