![]() by Emily Gerstein Image from britain-attack-tribute-concert-e1519238072630.jpg As the current decade comes near its end, a transition in our music top charts has become more apparent than ever. If you look back at Billboard’s top 40 in 2010, you’d see names like Katy Perry, Ke$ha, Lady Gaga, and Miley Cyrus. Pop had reigned superior for years, but in the later 2010’s, rap has come to a rise. Giants like Drake, Post Malone, Travis Scott, Migos among countless others are all that makes up the best of the best nowadays. Now, I have nothing against the genre, and even I can’t resist rapping along to Cardi B when I’m in that kind of mood. But then again, there’s a rather somber undertone to this movement. Pop has always been what I listen to when I need to lift my spirits, whether I’ve had a stressful day at school or I need some motivation during a study session or a workout. So why is it that pop isn’t getting the same recognition that it used to less than ten year ago? Enter Ariana Grande. Sure, she’s been around for quite some time, but it always felt like she was overlooked, or not taken as seriously as the other popstars. Her insane vocals have always been the focus of her music, but as her audience I could never quite connect to her lyrics and messages. On May 22, 2017, everything changed in the world of Ariana Grande. After her concert at The Manchester Arena during her Dangerous Woman Tour, an Islamist terrorist detonated a handmade bomb as fans were leaving the venue. There were 23 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and a lasting impact on the city of Manchester and the heartbroken singer. It surprised her fans and everyone else how quickly Grande returned to the spotlight. Two weeks later, she held Manchester United, a benefit concert to raise money for the victims and the city, as well as to give hope to a city who had lost so much. Grande’s first single after the attack, no tears left to cry, shook the world with its maturity and meaningfulness, in contrast to her earlier projects. For the first time, we could feel what she was feeling, and her message was strong and empowering and one I was finally able to relate to. Since then, Grande has refused to slow down. She puts out chart-topper after chart-topper, with god is a woman, a feminist anthem, and breathin, in which she opened up about her mental health. Her new album thank u, next, released only six months after its precedent sweetener has broken countless world records and every song off of the album reached the top charts. Grande has realized her power to relate to her audience, and for that reason she currently sits as the most influential person in music. She has revitalized pop music from basic bubblegum to intricate trap beats and soulful lyrics. I don’t see Ariana Grande going anywhere for awhile now, so I’m going to say thank u, next to everyone else.
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