Ariana Grande, a true icon of modern pop music, has taken the world by storm with her powerhouse vocals, infectious melodies, and unparalleled stage presence. From her early days as a Nickelodeon star to becoming a Grammy-winning global superstar, Ariana has cemented her place as one of the most influential artists of her generation. Her music transcends genres, blending pop, R&B, and soul into a signature sound that resonates with millions.
In this article, we’re diving into the top 10 most popular Ariana Grande songs of all time—tracks that have dominated charts, broken records, and captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Whether you’re a long-time Arianator or just discovering her magic, this list showcases the very best of her artistry, from emotional ballads to empowering anthems.
Get ready to sing along to the hits that have defined an era, from her breakout singles to her most iconic collaborations. These songs don’t just reflect Ariana’s incredible talent; they tell a story of growth, resilience, and unshakable confidence. So turn up the volume, grab your headphones, and join us in celebrating the music of a true pop phenomenon—Ariana Grande!
1. “Thank U, Next” (2018)
Released in November 2018, Thank U, Next became an instant cultural phenomenon, redefining the breakup song genre with its refreshing and self-empowered perspective. Instead of wallowing in heartbreak, Ariana Grande takes a mature and reflective approach, expressing gratitude for her past relationships rather than bitterness. The song’s conversational lyrics, where she name-drops exes like Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, Pete Davidson, and Mac Miller, make it deeply personal, yet universally relatable.
Musically, the track blends breezy pop melodies with an R&B-infused beat, creating an effortlessly catchy sound. The chorus, with its simple yet powerful repetition of “Thank u, next,” became an anthem of moving forward, self-love, and personal growth. The song dominated streaming platforms and airwaves, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a historic milestone in Ariana’s career.
Its impact was further amplified by its iconic music video, which paid homage to beloved early 2000s films like Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, Bring It On, and 13 Going on 30. Packed with nostalgia and pop culture references, the video broke records on YouTube, reinforcing Ariana’s influence as both a musician and a trendsetter.
With Thank U, Next, Ariana cemented her place as a voice of resilience and empowerment, proving that breakups can be a stepping stone to something greater.
2. “7 Rings” (2019)
Ariana Grande embraced luxury, confidence, and independence with 7 Rings, released in January 2019. The song, inspired by a spontaneous shopping spree, takes the melody of The Sound of Music’s “My Favorite Things” and reinvents it into a trap-infused pop anthem about friendship, success, and self-indulgence. With its hypnotic beat, swagger-filled delivery, and unapologetic lyrics, 7 Rings quickly became one of Ariana’s biggest hits.
The track was born from a personal experience—after a difficult breakup, Ariana took six of her closest friends on a trip to Tiffany & Co. and bought them matching diamond rings. This moment of sisterhood and celebration became the core theme of the song, where she boasts about her wealth and success with lines like, “I want it, I got it.” The song’s braggadocious tone, inspired by hip-hop culture, marked a stylistic shift for Ariana, proving her versatility as an artist.
Despite some controversy surrounding its similarities to other songs and lyrical themes, 7 Rings was a commercial powerhouse, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and breaking streaming records. Its bold, confident energy continues to make it a go-to anthem for self-empowerment.
3. “No Tears Left to Cry” (2018)
Released in April 2018, No Tears Left to Cry marked Ariana Grande’s powerful return to music following the tragic Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. Rather than dwelling in sorrow, the song delivers a message of resilience and hope, transitioning from a melancholic introduction to an upbeat, danceable rhythm that embodies the strength to move forward.
The song’s genre-blending production is one of its standout qualities, incorporating elements of pop, R&B, and house music. The intro starts in a reflective, almost ballad-like tone before seamlessly shifting into an uplifting groove, symbolizing Ariana’s emotional journey. Her vocals are as dynamic as ever, effortlessly soaring over the song’s infectious melody.
Lyrically, No Tears Left to Cry is about choosing positivity and embracing life’s beauty, even after hardships. Lines like “Right now, I’m in a state of mind / I wanna be in like all the time” express a determination to stay in an optimistic mindset, resonating deeply with fans who found strength in the song’s message.
The accompanying music video, directed by Dave Meyers, features stunning, gravity-defying visuals that mirror the song’s themes of shifting perspectives and finding light in darkness. It remains one of Ariana’s most impactful songs, both emotionally and artistically.
4. “Into You” (2016)
Ariana Grande delivered one of the most sultry and electrifying pop songs of her career with Into You, released in May 2016. The track is a masterclass in slow-burning intensity, with a pulsating beat, seductive lyrics, and a build-up that leads to an explosive chorus. It showcases Ariana’s ability to blend sensuality with powerhouse vocals, making it one of the standout tracks from Dangerous Woman.
Lyrically, Into You captures the anticipation and excitement of a passionate romance, as Ariana teases a partner to take things further. Lines like “So, come on, light me up / I just wanna dance with you” exude confidence and desire, making the song an irresistible dancefloor anthem.
The production, handled by Swedish hitmaker Max Martin, perfectly balances dark, moody synths with a driving beat that builds intensity with every second. Ariana’s breathy verses contrast beautifully with the soaring, full-throttle chorus, creating an electrifying dynamic that keeps listeners hooked.
The accompanying music video adds another layer to the song’s allure, featuring a mysterious, late-night desert romance that complements the track’s seductive energy. Over time, Into You has become a fan favorite, often cited as one of the best pop songs of the 2010s.
5. “Side to Side” ft. Nicki Minaj (2016)
With its reggae-pop groove and playful lyrics, Side to Side became one of Ariana Grande’s most infectious hits upon its release in August 2016. Featuring a fiery guest verse from Nicki Minaj, the track delivers a confident, flirtatious energy that made it an instant favorite among fans.
The song’s bouncy, island-inspired beat, produced by Max Martin and Ilya, creates an effortlessly smooth and sensual vibe. Lyrically, Side to Side is a cheeky, double entendre-filled anthem about a relationship that leaves Ariana feeling physically exhausted—an innuendo that became a talking point among fans and media alike. Nicki Minaj’s verse adds an extra layer of sass and empowerment, making for a dynamic collaboration between two of pop music’s most influential women.
The song’s success was amplified by its steamy music video, set in a neon-lit spin class, reinforcing the track’s sultry themes while showcasing Ariana’s signature style and choreography. The duo also delivered a memorable performance at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, further cementing the song’s popularity.
Side to Side dominated the charts, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and became a staple in Ariana’s live performances. It remains one of her most recognizable and beloved hits.
6. “Positions” (2020)
Ariana Grande showcased a more mature and intimate side of her artistry with Positions, the lead single from her 2020 album of the same name. Released in October 2020, the song is a smooth blend of pop and R&B with delicate strings and a laid-back groove that perfectly complements Ariana’s effortless vocals. It’s a track that exudes both sensuality and emotional devotion, exploring the theme of flexibility in relationships.
Lyrically, Positions is all about commitment and adaptability in love, with Ariana singing about shifting roles to make a relationship work. Lines like “Switchin’ the positions for you / Cookin’ in the kitchen and I’m in the bedroom” highlight her willingness to embrace different aspects of love, from romance to everyday responsibilities. The song’s playful yet heartfelt delivery makes it both relatable and captivating.
The accompanying music video, directed by Dave Meyers, adds another layer of depth by depicting Ariana as the President of the United States, flipping traditional gender roles and expectations. The visuals reinforce the song’s theme of empowerment, showing that a woman can handle both leadership and romance with grace.
Debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Positions further cemented Ariana’s ability to evolve while staying true to her signature style.
7. “God Is a Woman” (2018)
Released in July 2018, God Is a Woman is one of Ariana Grande’s most powerful and boldest tracks, blending spirituality with sensuality in a way that redefines female empowerment. The song features a hypnotic blend of sultry vocals, trap-infused beats, and gospel-inspired harmonies, creating an ethereal and captivating listening experience.
At its core, God Is a Woman is a declaration of feminine strength, with Ariana using religious imagery to convey themes of confidence, sensuality, and empowerment. Lines like “You love it how I move you / You love it how I touch you, my one” suggest that the power of love and femininity can be almost divine. The song’s cinematic build-up and dramatic vocal layering make it one of the most ambitious tracks in her catalog.
The accompanying music video is just as striking, filled with rich symbolism and stunning visual effects. Ariana is depicted as a celestial figure, commanding the universe, while also paying homage to iconic imagery, such as Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam. The visuals amplify the song’s themes of female divinity and strength.
Peaking in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, God Is a Woman remains one of Ariana’s most critically acclaimed tracks, showcasing her artistry in both sound and storytelling.
8. “Dangerous Woman” (2016)
With Dangerous Woman, Ariana Grande took a bold step into a more mature and sultry musical direction. Released in March 2016 as the lead single from her third studio album, the song is a powerhouse ballad infused with rock, R&B, and pop influences, driven by a dramatic guitar riff and Ariana’s stunning vocal performance.
The song’s lyrics exude confidence and empowerment, celebrating the feeling of embracing one’s desires without hesitation. Lines like “Somethin’ ’bout you makes me feel like a dangerous woman” highlight Ariana’s transformation into a self-assured and fearless artist, fully in control of her image and music. Her sultry, controlled vocals in the verses gradually build to an explosive chorus, showcasing her incredible range and emotional delivery.
The music video further reinforced this newfound confidence, featuring Ariana in moody, sophisticated visuals that reflected the song’s sensual and powerful energy. It was a defining moment in her career, solidifying her status as an artist unafraid to take creative risks.
Dangerous Woman was a commercial success, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album. It remains one of Ariana’s signature tracks and a turning point in her artistic evolution.
9. “Break Free” ft. Zedd (2014)
Break Free, released in July 2014, was a game-changer for Ariana Grande, marking her transition from R&B-infused pop to full-fledged dance-pop. Teaming up with producer Zedd, the song is an explosive EDM anthem that celebrates liberation, self-discovery, and breaking away from toxic relationships.
The song’s high-energy production features pulsating synths, a driving bassline, and a soaring chorus that perfectly complements Ariana’s powerful vocals. Lyrically, it tells a story of personal empowerment, with lines like “I’m stronger than I’ve been before / This is the part when I break free.” It became an anthem for those seeking independence and strength, resonating deeply with fans.
The space-themed music video, inspired by classic sci-fi films like Barbarella and Star Wars, added to the song’s futuristic and adventurous vibe. Ariana takes on the role of an intergalactic heroine, battling enemies and escaping captivity—perfectly mirroring the song’s themes of breaking free.
Debuting in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, Break Free became one of Ariana’s biggest hits, proving her versatility as an artist and her ability to dominate multiple genres. Its electrifying energy continues to make it a staple in her live performances.
10. “Problem” ft. Iggy Azalea (2014)
Problem, featuring rapper Iggy Azalea, was a defining moment in Ariana Grande’s early pop career. Released in April 2014 as the lead single from her sophomore album My Everything, the song became an instant smash, blending pop and R&B with a retro, brass-infused beat that made it one of the most infectious hits of the year.
One of the standout elements of Problem is its bold saxophone riff, which gives the track a unique and energetic feel. The song’s lyrics revolve around the internal conflict of wanting someone despite knowing they’re no good—a relatable theme that resonated with listeners. Ariana’s smooth yet powerful vocals carry the song, while Iggy Azalea’s confident rap verse adds an extra layer of attitude and swagger.
The track’s success was immediate, debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 before climbing to No. 2. It quickly became one of the best-selling singles of 2014, further cementing Ariana’s status as a dominant force in pop music.
The music video, featuring striking black-and-white visuals with a retro aesthetic, complemented the song’s playful yet fierce energy. Over the years, Problem has remained a fan-favorite and a testament to Ariana’s ability to craft hit after hit.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
