Ariana Grande Then & Now: See Her Transformation From Nickelodeon Star To Pop Princess

By:

Elissa Anderson

June 26, 2021 6:30AM EDT

In honor of Ariana Grande’s 28th birthday, we’re looking back at how much she’s grown up since she burst on the Hollywood scene in 2010.

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Ariana Grande Then & Now

Ariana Grande Then & Now — Since she first rose to fame after her stint on Broadway in 2008, Ariana Grande has completely transformed from burgeoning starlet to global pop diva. Ariana may have first been introduced to her wide fan base as Cat Valentine on ‘Victorious’ on Nickelodeon, but she’s matured into a powerful pop artist. Through her career, Ariana has completely evolved into the pop icon we know her today. Since her time at Nickelodeon ended, she’s set her sights on music, building a discography that’s incredibly impressive, considering that Ariana isn’t even 30 yet! With a number of Grammy nominations and one win to her name, Ariana’s pop tunes are being played over the radio across the globe, and her music is being taken seriously by her peers and critics alike.

Not only has Ariana become a global music sensation, her fashion and style have turned heads constantly for its drama, and unique confidence. There’s no doubt about it; Ariana Grande is a force to be reckoned with. To see her transformation from Nickelodeon star to global pop icon, click through the gallery!

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Ariana Grande at ‘The Lovely Bones’ Film Premiere

Ariana Grande at ‘The Lovely Bones’ Film Premiere — Ariana Grande attends ‘The Lovely Bones’ Film Premiere on Dec. 7, 2009. She wore a cute white dress and struck a pose on the red carpet.

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Ariana Grande Promoting ‘Victorious’ In 2010

Ariana Grande Promoting ‘Victorious’ In 2010 — Ariana Grande sips on a milkshake while attending a promotional event for ‘Victorious’ in April 2010. She rocked red hair for the event at Planet Hollywood in NYC.

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Ariana Grande at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards

Ariana Grande at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards — Ariana Grande at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards on June 6, 2010. She wore her maroon hair straight and down and rocked a cute peach-toned dress!

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Ariana Grande At Do Something Awards 2011

Ariana Grande At Do Something Awards 2011 — Ariana Grande was all smiles while attending the 2011 Do Something Awards in Los Angeles. She looked too cute with her hair pulled back into a ponytail, as she wore a pink and silver dress.

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Ariana Grande At 2012 Event

Ariana Grande At 2012 Event — Ariana Grande looked adorable in a black and white outfit at a Sharpie event in November 2012. She wore her hair in curls and pulled back into a half ponytail, too.

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Ariana Grande Performing In 2013

Ariana Grande Performing In 2013 — Ariana Grande performs at KIIS FM’s Wango Tango in May 2013. She looked too cute in a sparkling outfit with tutu skirt.

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Ariana Grande At 2013 VMAs

Ariana Grande At 2013 VMAs — Ariana Grande wears a floral mini dress to attend the Video Music Awards in 2013. She completed her red carpet look with pale blue heels.

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Ariana Grande at the ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’ Film Premiere

Ariana Grande at the ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’ Film Premiere — Ariana Grande at the ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’ Film Premiere on July 11, 2011. She looked absolutely elegant in her blush pink gown.

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Ariana Grande at Variety’s 6th Annual Power Of Youth event

Ariana Grande at Variety’s 6th Annual Power Of Youth event — Ariana Grande attends Variety’s 6th Annual Power Of Youth event on Sept. 15, 2012. She wore an adorable crop top and high waist skirt!

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Ariana Grande performs during her Atlanta concert

Ariana Grande performs during her Atlanta concert — Ariana Grande opened for Justin Bieber in concert at the Philips Arena in Atlanta on Aug. 10, 2013. She wore a glittering red dress and sang her heart out!

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Ariana Grande At 2014 VMAs

Ariana Grande At 2014 VMAs — Ariana Grande showed off her fierce style evolution at the 2014 Video Music Awards in California. She wore a leather Moschino outfit, consisting of a strapless top and skirt.

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Ariana Grande After the MTV Video Music Awards

Ariana Grande After the MTV Video Music Awards — Ariana Grande at the MTV Video Music Awards Press Room on Aug. 24, 2014. She wore Lorena Sarbu and showed off her Moon Man award!

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Ariana Grande at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards

Ariana Grande at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards — Ariana Grande attends the 57th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 8, 2015. She looked absolutely angelic in her white and silver dress.

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Ariana Grande Performing At 2016 AMAs

Ariana Grande Performing At 2016 AMAs — Ariana Grande hits the stage for a fierce performance at the 2016 American Music Awards. She wore a two-piece outfit and thigh-high boots for her set.

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Ariana Grande At Hairspray Live! Panel

Ariana Grande At Hairspray Live! Panel — Ariana Grande shows off her new bangs while attending a panel for Hairspray Live! in 2016. She wore an oversized pink shirt and thigh-high boots.

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Ariana Grande Performing On GMA

Ariana Grande Performing On GMA — Ariana Grande hits the stage for a performance during GMA’s summer concert series in 2016. She showed off her cool summer style by wearing ac rop top and shorts, with a flannel jacket around her waist.

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Ariana Grande At 2016 VMAs

Ariana Grande At 2016 VMAs — Ariana Grande hits the stage to perform with Nicki Minaj at the 2016 VMAs. She rocked a white crop top and pants, along with a sheer pink jacket.

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Ariana Grande at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards

Ariana Grande at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards — Ariana Grande attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 28, 2016. She wore Alexander Wang and struck a fierce pose on the carpet!

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Ariana Grande at the One Love Manchester concert

Ariana Grande at the One Love Manchester concert — Ariana Grande at the One Love Manchester concert on June 4, 2017. She performed in the show following the deadly attack in Manchester.

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Ariana Grande At Billboard Women in Music 2018

Ariana Grande At Billboard Women in Music 2018 — Ariana Grande walks the red carpet at Billboard’s Women in Music Event in Dec. 2018. She wore a lavender dress and matching boots, with her hair slicked back into a high half ponytail.

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Ariana Grande at the The Met Gala

Ariana Grande at the The Met Gala — Ariana Grande at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Benefit celebrating the opening of Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination on May 7, 2018. Her gown was positively breathtaking!

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Ariana Grande At 2018 VMAs

Ariana Grande At 2018 VMAs — Ariana Grande accepts her award for best pop video for “No Tears Left to Cry” onstage at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2018. She wore a strapless black dress and thigh-high boots.

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Ariana Grande leaving Pace restaurant

Ariana Grande leaving Pace restaurant — Ariana Grande seen leaving Pace Restaurant in Los Angeles in February 2019. She wore her signature high ponytail and rocked a pair of checkered booties!

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Ariana Grande at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards

Ariana Grande at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards — Ariana Grande at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on Jan. 26, 2020. She wore a custom Giambattista Valli gown and looked almost like Cinderella!

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