The world just can’t get enough of Ariana Grande. Whether it’s because of her catchy tunes or her high-profile relationships, the former Nickelodeon starlet turned mega pop sensation never seems to be out of the headlines for too long.
But even as her songs top the charts, her career is not without controversy. Grande has been accused of cultural appropriation and “blackfishing”, because of her use of traditionally “black” language. There’s also the issue of her using enough fake tan that people started getting confused about what ethnicity Ariana Grande really is.
So, what is Ariana Grande’s nationality? Well, she’s an American of Italian descent, but that’s not the whole story.
Curious for more? Here are a few things you should know about the singer, including a quick profile of her career, and more info on her life story and ethnic background.
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Who Is Ariana Grande And Why Is She Famous?
Ariana Grande is an award-winning singer and actress. She is most known for her booming music career following several commercially-successful albums and tours – and of course, her signature high ponytail.
Grande first became known to young audiences as Cat Valentine on the popular Nickelodeon show Victorious and spin-off Sam & Cat. After the show wrapped up, she focused on her music career, with her first studio album debuting at the top of the charts.
Since then, it’s been pretty much success after success. Between winning Grammys for her music and being invited to the White House to perform for then-President Barack Obama, the teen idol quickly gained superstar status.
Grande’s most popular singles include “Break Free”, “Bang Bang” (alongside Nicki Minaj and Jessie J), “Love Me Harder”, “One Last Time”, “Focus”, “Dangerous Woman”, “Into You”, “Side to Side”, “God Is a Woman”, “Thank U, Next”, and “7 Rings”.
Her albums and songs have garnered Grande a lot of critical success as well. She’s broken several industry records, such as being the first solo artist to occupy the first, second, and third top spots on the Billboard Hot 100. She has won more than 80 awards and has been nominated for over 260.
But Grande did not abandon her acting career entirely. You might recognise her as Chanel #2 on Scream Queens, Penny Pingleton in Hairspray Live!.
Ariana Grande is famous for her philanthropy as well. In 2017, following the Manchester Arena bombing (which happened the month before at another Grande concert), the singer set up the One Love Manchester concert in response. The proceeds were donated to the victims and/or their families via the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund. Grande has also publicly supported and donated to the Black Lives Matter movement, the Charlottesville victims, and Planned Parenthood.
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Besides her illustrious career, Grande is also known for her relationships, especially with ex-fiancee Pete Davidson and ex-boyfriend Mac Miller. Davidson (a comedian of Saturday Night Live fame) and Grande famously dated, got engaged, and called off the wedding – all in the span of 4 or 5 months. Miller was Grande’s partner of two years. The rapper sadly died of a drug overdose in 2018, only a few months after their split.
When Was Ariana Grande Born?
Ariana Grande’s date of birth is June 26, 1993, making her a Cancer and 26 years of age.
What Is Ariana Grande’s Height And Weight?
Grande might have a huge presence and major BDE (which was, ironically enough, used to describe her ex-fiance Pete Davidson), but she clocks in at a relatively short 160cm. She weighs only 47kg.
What Country Is Ariana Grande From? Where Was Ariana Grande Born?
Ariana Grande, born Ariana Grande-Butera, hails from Boca Raton in Palm Beach, Florida in the United States.
What Is Ariana Grande’s Nationality?
As she was born in the States, the singer holds American citizenship.
What Is Ariana Grande’s Ethnicity?
One of the biggest questions people have about the singer is, strangely enough, about her ethnicity. Is she black? Latina? Or something else?
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In a 2011 tweet, Grande explained her “ambiguous” ethnicity as Italian-American, more specifically that she is half-Sicilian and half-Abruzzese, which are both areas in Southern Italy.
Who Are Ariana Grande’s Parents?
Grande’s mom is Joan Grande. Joan was born in Brooklyn and is the CEO of communications and safety equipment manufacturer of Hose-McCann. Ariana Grande’s father is Edward Butera, a graphic designer and firm owner who works in Boca Raton. The couple split when the singer was only 9 or 10.
Rounding out the family is Ariana’s older half-brother Frankie. His interest in musical theatre was actually what sparked his younger sister’s interest in acting. Frankie has his own music, acting, and producing career, including roles on Broadway and Off-Broadway, proving that talent must really run in the blood. Frankie is also a famous YouTube personality and former Big Brother housemate.
Where Does Ariana Grande Live Now?
Grande has two home bases: one in California and one in New York.
Her Beverly Hills mansion sits on a whopping 8,000+ square feet of property and overlooks the Hollywood Hills. Instead of hitting the Grammys this year, she stayed at home and took some gorgeous photos in her Zac Posen dress.
The pop star also purchased a $USD 16-million ($AUD 22.76-million) apartment in Manhattan with then-fiance Davidson. The couple may have split in October of last year, but Grande’s still keeping her expensive Chelsea pad.
Conclusion
At just 26 years old, Ariana Grande has seen more than a lifetime’s worth of success and grief. She’s currently on the Sweetener world tour, coming off being named the Billboard 2018 Woman of the Year. The world should get ready because Miss Grande isn’t slowing down any time soon.
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