Ariana Grande‘s 25th year was one to celebrate. She released two no. 1 albums along with earning her first no. 1 single and winning her first Grammy. Her music is blasting on radios everywhere, garnering attention only a renowned pop star could manage. Now she’s currently embarking on her Sweetener World Tour, pouring her heart out on stage for dedicated fans worldwide.
In honor of her 26th birthday, we’re counting down our favorite music videos from the singer. From ‘thank u, next’ to her classic ‘Side To Side,’ Ari let us into her pop-perfect universe.
10. ‘The Way’ feat. Mac Miller
This sugary sweet video was the beginning of Mac Miller and Ariana’s long friendship and blossoming romance. Their innocence, playfulness, and care for each other shines through in the visual for ‘The Way’—one of our favorite Ari tracks.
9. ‘Everyday’ feat. Future
Ariana served a dose of ridiculousness in the video for ‘Everyday.’ Alongside rapper Future, it captured the stunned faces of passersby witnessing couples engaging in ever-salacious acts. It’s LOL-worthy that’s for sure.
8. ‘Right There’ feat. Big Sean
‘Right There’ is Ari and Big Sean’s take on a renaissance themed ballroom party. Full of colors and billowy dresses, the singer longs for an innocent crush and parties with her best girlfriends.
7. ‘breathin’
The pop star has been very vocal about her struggles with anxiety. In her video for ‘breathin,’ Ariana perfectly captures what it feels like to battle its symptoms—feeling like you’re trapped while everything’s still circling around you. While the song is pop genius, it’s also an ode to everyone facing that battle.
6. ‘7 rings’
‘7 rings’ was outrageous—the lyrics showing off Ariana’s more confident side. The song’s accompanying video features the singer proudly flaunting her luxurious lifestyle. She dances with some of her best friends, bragging about her newfound pride. It’s full of attitude and her well-earned success.
5. ‘Side To Side’ feat. Nicki Minaj
What kind of list would this be if we didn’t mention Ariana and Nicki Minaj’s hit ‘Side To Side?’ We’ll never forget the iconic cycling exercise scene and the pop star’s beauty shining through while she sings those highly suggestive lyrics.
4. ‘no tears left to cry’
‘no tears left to cry’ was the artist’s comeback after her short hiatus from the music scene. The song’s video glitters with a fine edge of creativity as Ariana walks on ceilings and travels through an upside down world. It’s dreamy and otherworldly just like the singer’s unique voice.
3. ‘Into You’
Nearly four years later, ‘Into You’ is still tearing up the airwaves. The track’s visual tells a touching but heartbreaking love story, allowing us a glimpse into a passionate romance between Ariana and her lover. It’s bubblegum pop encapsulated into one whole video.
2. ‘thank u, next’
As her first no. 1 single, ‘thank u, next’ was most certainly the self-love declaration we needed at the end of 2018. The music video featured a star-studded cast and was an ode to classic rom-coms such as 13 Going On 30, Legally Blonde, and Mean Girls. Ariana portraying ruthless Regina George will go down in pop culture history.
1. ‘God is a woman’
Nothing is stronger than a girl power anthem. ‘God is a woman’ set the tone for a potentially stunning music video and Ariana didn’t disappoint. Featuring a voiceover from pop legend Madonna, solely women reenactments of iconic paintings, and an all-women choir, this video tops our list.
Honorable mention:
Troye Sivan – ‘Dance to This’ feat. Ariana Grande
While ‘Dance To This’ isn’t necessarily Ariana’s track, she sings alongside Troye Sivan in this 80s reminiscent prom-themed music video. It reminds us of carefree nights on the dancefloor, dressed in our prettiest attire during high school’s biggest night. The pair are truly BFFs, enjoying every minute by each other’s side in this sweetly pure music video.
Featured image source: YouTube