Ariana Grande Is Crowned Billboard's 2018 Woman of the Year
It’s been a remarkable year for the ‘Sweetener’ songstress.
Swiftly after releasing her chart-topping new single “thank u, next,” Ariana Grande has been announced as Billboard‘s 2018 Woman of the Year. An honor that’s been previously given to Selena Gomez and Lady Gaga among other outstanding women in the music industry, the title not only recognizes Grande as a solo artist, but also as someone who continuously utilizes her platform to support social issues such as mental health awareness, gender equality and LGBTQ rights.
Ross Scarano, Billboard’s Vice President of Content, praises highly of the Sweetener songstress in an official statement:
“Ariana Grande is a star on her own terms, never bending to any particular musical trend or path in the industry. Certain in her convictions, she consistently stands up for herself and her decisions in a world that often isn’t hospitable to that sort of strength in young women. She’s got guts, she’s making some of the best music of her career, and she’s absolutely deserving of Woman of the Year.”
Grande has had quite a monumental year in 2018. With hits like “God Is a Woman” and “No Tears Left to Cry,” her latest album Sweetener scored the biggest opening week ever for a pop album by a female artist back when it first dropped in August. Her latest single “thank u, next” is equally well-received. In the ballad, Grande openly expresses gratitude towards both her ex-fiancé Pete Davidson and her late boyfriend Mac Miller for teaching her about love, patience and pain.
Ariana Grande will be honored the Woman of the Year award come December 6 at the Billboard Women in Music gala in New York.
