It seems like I can’t even open social media anymore without seeing something about Ariana Grande–and with good reason, too. Throughout the past year Ariana has faced tragedy and harassment, but perhaps most importantly dramatic success. It’s hard to keep track of everything that has happened when things have been so crazy, which is why we’ve taken the time to create a fan-friendly timeline of all of the past year’s important events involving the pop princess.
May 22, 2017: Manchester Terrorist Attack
Moments after Ariana’s “Dangerous Woman” performance at Manchester arena, 22 people died as a result of a suicide bomber. Shortly after this, Ariana released a statement postponing the tour. A few weeks later, on June 4th, she did a benefit concert honoring the victims of the attack.
September 24th, 2017: Performs at Charlottesville Unity Concert
Only three days after finishing her “Dangerous Women” tour, Ariana returned to the stage to perform as a response to the Charlottesville white supremacists rally that turned violent. This performance proved the young singer to be a significant member in the progressive cause against violence, and a woman who wants to dedicate her artistry to a bigger cause.
March 24, 2018: Performs at March For Our Lives Rally
In response to the Parkland Florida shooting, Ariana gave love to the victims in her home state by performing her hit song “Be Alright” at the March For Our Lives Rally in Washington D.C. This was the first live performance of Ariana’s after her performance at Charlottesville, showing again how Ariana wants to use her voice to spread peace and to promote the end of violence.
April 15, 2018: “No Tears Left to Cry”
In anticipation for her Sweetener album, Ariana released the song after a short hiatus from social media. The song was pretty much in response to the Manchester attack. The positive attitude of the song affirmed the fact that the pop princess was ready to come back to the music scene stronger than ever.
May 2018: Mac Miller and Ariana break up
After a two-year-long relationship Ariana and rapper Mac Miller called it quits. This left many fans and “shippers” in shock due to the album Miller had just released that seemed to be dedicated to their relationship. While both shared their mutual respect and love for each other in posts about their breakup, after Miller received a DUI shortly after their breakup, other feelings came out. Ariana came out to say that their relationship was toxic, stating “how absurd [it is to] minimize female self-respect and self-worth by saying someone should stay in a toxic relationship because he wrote an album about them.”
June 11, 2018: Ariana and Pete Davidson announce engagement
Shortly after Ariana’s breakup with Mac Miller, Ariana announced her engagement to SNL star Pete Davidson. The couple’s relationship was marked by their matching tattoos and PDA as well as loving comments on each others social media.
June 20, 2018: “The Light is Coming”
Ariana dropped “The Light is Coming” building up to her album Sweetener. The song features a good friend of hers, Nicki Minaj, making it a bop to remember.
July 13, 2018: “God is a Woman”
The final single dropped before her hit album became an iconic song for female empowerment. The song quickly zoomed to the top of the charts and made fans craving the release of Sweetener.
August 17, 2018: Sweetener Album released
After building the anticipation with her singles and social media posts, the long awaited Sweetener album was released. The songs reflect Ariana’s triumphs, hardships, but most importantly, her growth over the past year.
September 7, 2018: Mac Miller dies
Mac Miller, Ariana’s long term ex boyfriend, was announced dead of an overdose this past September. In reaction, people out lashed at Ariana claiming it was her fault for his death, that her recent engagement and success in her career pushed him to his overdose. A few days after the new was release Ariana posted an instagram video of the two with the caption: “i really can’t wrap my head around it. we talked about this. so many times. i’m so mad, i’m so sad i don’t know what to do. you were my dearest friend. for so long. above anything else. i’m so sorry i couldn’t fix or take your pain away. i really wanted to. the kindest, sweetest soul with demons he never deserved. i hope you’re okay now. rest.”
October 2018: Ariana and Pete Davidson breakup
After a short engagement, deletion of social media pictures and general silence from both Ariana and Pete marked the end of their relationship. While neither of them have come out with a direct public response, fans have been speculating the split was in reaction to either the death of Mac Miller or due to the videos released of Pete poking fun at the Manchester attack.
November 3rd, 2018 Release of “Thank you, next”
Ariana’s newest and most unexpected single has hit the world by storm, hitting No. 1 on the charts after only a couple weeks. The song sends a message about forgiveness, finding peace, and moving on. For fans, it signifies a form of closure to all of what Ariana has gone through this past year.
Although Ariana Grande seems to be at her peak right now, we can expect more great things in her music as well as watch her grow as a leader in the progressive movement. Through turmoil and tragedy we know Ariana will stay strong and continue to turn her emotions and experiences into beautiful art.