Ariana Grande just notched another achievement in her belt of wins, as she amassed 16 billion cumulative views on her music videos on YouTube. With this record, she surpasses Rihanna to become the fourth most viewed female artist in YouTube history.
Grande is no stranger to setting massive records, be it with her music or with her videos. And, while she remains on a winning streak, blazing the trails in pop music today, the singer never forgets to have her fair share of fun on screen. And, there’s no better way to find out the worth of those 16 billion views, than to watch some of her career-defining moments on screen.
1. God is a woman
This one is not for the faint of heart. Ariana takes the refrain of her 2018 hit, ‘God is a woman’, to new heights, as she has the world in her hands (quite literally). The song is all about channeling female energy, and Grande does it how she pleases – symbolism, Biblical metaphors and sensual choreography.
This music video is a visual spectacle from start to finish. While the song may have been the second single from her album “sweetener”, it makes its mark. And, it definitely puts the grand in ‘Grande’.
2. thank u, next
If you think of this music video as the Hollywood equivalent of a multi star cast Bollywood song, you’re on the right track. Complete with at least five iconic movie references and a star-studded list of cameos (think “Om Shanti Om”), this video is a “smash”. And, there’s no surprise that it broke records for the most-viewed music video in 24 hours at the time of its release.
Not only did it reference some iconic American films like Mean Girls and Legally Blonde, but also featured some of our favourite actors from the movies. And, if that wasn’t enough, cameos from the likes of Troye Sivan, Colleen Ballinger and Kris Jenner did the trick. This music video is the epitome of Ariana Grande having fun on screen and the world is here for it.
3. 7 rings
This video may not be all that. But, it’s definitely something. This visualiser arguably stands as one of Grande’s career-defining moments; one where she began experimenting with style and sound. Since its release, it has gone on to amass 814 million views and counting. And, while it sees Grande experimenting with references to Japanese culture, rap, and choreography, it’s found itself in a whole lot of controversy.
Appropriation, fetishisation and a rather in your face celebration of capitalism? It’s got it. Following in the footsteps of the track itself, the video was a subject of debate from the moment of its release. The track was called out for plagiarism by female rapper Nokia, and critics in the industry raised questions of cultural appropriation. But, it remains one of Ariana’s most watched music videos. So, take a look and make up your mind.
4. no tears left to cry
This music video turned the world upside down, quite literally. ‘no tears left to cry’ was the beginning of a new era for Ariana Grande. It marked her return to the music world after the traumatic Manchester bombing, and fans were here for it.
This music video has managed to rake in close to 1 billion views, and stands tall as one of her most watched videos. Directed by Dave Meyers, the video sees her crooning in the midst of massive, aesthetic sets. From start to finish, this one is a treat to the eyes.
5. Side to Side
This music video featuring Nicki Minaj currently has 1.7 billion views and counting. And, there’s no surprises there. This song and its visualiser sees the duo – Grande and Minaj – getting cheeky, riding some bicycles. And, well, let the symbolism ensue.
The song is all about getting physical, and there’s no better articulation than exercise to get the message across. Complete with neon lights, bright colours, and some light choreography, this one makes for an… interesting watch.
By: Ahalya Narayanan