SimplyAbuDhabi XLVII

“Laughter is the best thing we have – and friendship.” – Ariana Grande I n the glittering landscape of modern pop culture, where spectacle so often overshadows substance, Ariana Grande remains a singular figure – ethereal yet grounded, immensely gifted yet unassuming, and, above all, quietly enduring. With a vocal range that evokes comparisons to Mariah Carey, a fashion signature as iconic as an old-school diva, and a deeply personal, ever-evolving sense of self, Grande is no longer simply a global superstar – she is a cultural presence, a style authority, and a modern muse. Born in Boca Raton, Florida, in 1993, Ariana Grande began her career not with the roar of arena lights but with the earnest charm of musical theatre. A child prodigy with a preternatural voice and a penchant for show tunes, she quickly moved from local stages to Broadway and then to Nickelodeon, where her role on Victorious introduced her to a young, devoted audience. But it was her transition into music that marked her ascent. Her debut album, Yours Truly (2013), arrived not with bombast but with elegance – an homage to ‘90s R&B with a contempo- rary twist, carried by a voice that seemed to glide ethereally. Over the years, Grande’s discography has grown in complexity and confidence, touching on themes of empowerment, heartbreak, resilience, and transformation. Albums such as Dangerous Woman , Sweetener , and thank u, next revealed a woman not only finding her voice, but taking ownership of it – emotionally candid, musi- cally adventurous, and tonally mature. The intimacy she brings to her work – the whisper-soft falsettos, the intricately layered harmonies, the vulnerability cloaked in strength – has earned her critical acclaim and a fiercely loyal global fanbase. Yet it is not only her music that captivates. Ariana Grande’s style has become a language of its own – recognisable, influential, and deceptively nuanced. The high ponytail, the oversized sweatshirts paired with thigh-high boots, the subtle nods to vintage glamour – each element is part of a personal aesthetic that feels both curat- ed and deeply authentic. She is at once futuristic and nostalgic, playful yet precise. Her fashion statements are not made to provoke, but to express. She does not chase trends; she refines them into something distinctly her own. Simply Abu Dhabi | 139