The music industry is constantly evolving, with new artists emerging and established superstars continuing to dominate the charts. But behind every successful artist, there is often a story of mentorship and support from those who came before them. This is exactly what pop sensation Ariana Grande recently discussed on the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, hosted by Katie Atkinson and Keith Caulfield.
In the latest episode, Ariana opened up about her journey in the music industry and how she was taken under the wings of some of the biggest pop stars in the industry. From her early days on Broadway to her rise to fame as a solo artist, Ariana has always been surrounded by talented and influential mentors who have helped shape her into the artist she is today.
One of the first mentors Ariana mentioned was Broadway legend and Tony Award winner, Kristin Chenoweth. Ariana starred alongside Chenoweth in the musical “13” when she was just 15 years old. She credits Chenoweth for teaching her the importance of professionalism and hard work, as well as giving her valuable advice on navigating the industry.
But it wasn’t just Broadway stars who took Ariana under their wings. As she transitioned into the world of pop music, she found support and guidance from some of the biggest names in the industry. One of her earliest mentors was none other than Justin Bieber. Ariana recalls how Bieber reached out to her on Twitter and invited her to open for him on his Believe Tour. This was a pivotal moment in Ariana’s career, as it gave her the opportunity to perform in front of large audiences and gain exposure to a wider audience.
Another pop superstar who played a significant role in Ariana’s career is none other than the queen of pop herself, Madonna. Ariana had the honor of performing with Madonna at the 2015 Grammy Awards, and she describes the experience as a dream come true. Madonna not only inspired Ariana with her music and performances, but she also gave her valuable advice on staying true to herself and not letting the industry change her.
But perhaps the most influential mentor in Ariana’s career has been Mariah Carey. As a fellow powerhouse vocalist, Mariah has been a source of inspiration for Ariana since she was a child. Ariana recalls how she would listen to Mariah’s music and try to emulate her vocal runs and high notes. And when Ariana finally got the chance to meet Mariah, she was overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude. Mariah has not only been a mentor to Ariana, but she has also become a friend and a source of support throughout her career.
It’s clear that Ariana has been fortunate enough to have some of the biggest names in the industry take her under their wings and guide her on her journey. But it’s not just about the big names – Ariana also credits her team and her fans for their unwavering support and guidance. She acknowledges that without her team and her fans, she wouldn’t be where she is today.
As the podcast hosts, Katie and Keith, pointed out, it’s heartwarming to see how these pop superstars have embraced and supported Ariana throughout her career. It’s a testament to the strong sense of community and mentorship within the music industry. And as Ariana continues to dominate the charts and inspire millions of fans, it’s clear that she will continue to pay it forward and be a mentor to the next generation of artists.
In conclusion, the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast episode featuring Ariana Grande is a must-listen for any music lover. It’s a reminder that behind every successful artist, there is often a story of mentorship and support from those who came before them. And as Ariana looks back on her journey and the mentors who have shaped her, she serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists to never give up on their dreams and to always be open to learning from those who have paved the way.
