Arianators rejoice! Ariana Grande has just been named Billboard's Woman of the Year!
Following 2017's horrific Manchester attack where 23 people were killed and 139 injured by a suicide bomber at her concert's close, 2018's been a year of healing and heartbreak.
It began with a whirlwind engagement to SNL star Pete Davidson, she dropped three Hot 100 charting singles, debuted her critically acclaimed new album Sweetener, mourned the accidental overdose of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, ended her engagement with Davidson, and most recently dropped 'thank u, next,' a shimmery and reflective ode to her exes and Grande's first #1 hit.
Despite her hardships, or perhaps in light of them, Grande is at the top of her game. Teary-eyed and grateful for every single moment, the 25-year-old dreamily chatted about her love life, music, industry sexism, and her upcoming projects in Billboard's profile. "I’m really lucky and really unlucky at the same time,” she quipped.
Women still face many barriers in the music industry and while Grande is happy with her own rising success, there are many glass ceilings left to shatter. “I would just love to see a chart with as many women on top as men,” said Grande. “It’s just so male-dominated. It’s so easy for them. There are so many unbelievable female artists out there that try so much harder.”
The 'God is a Woman' singer open up about her struggles to break out of a music industry mold designed to crank out hits. "They’re unable to accept the fact that women are a million things, and not just two. You can be adorable and brilliant. You can be friendly and silly, and yet strong and indestructible. You can be professional and present and also sexual and fun."
Grande's now in a place to do exactly what she damn well pleases - and her fans adore her for it. We can't wait to see how high in the clouds Ariana Grande goes next.
Read Billboard's full profile here.
