Trying year for Ariana Grande
ARIANA Grande (pic) capped off a successful year as a pop star – but a trying one as a maturing young woman – at the 13th annual Billboard Women in Music event, where she was named Woman Of The Year.
The 25-year-old singer was tearyeyed at times during her acceptance speech as she reflected on her year, which included the end of her relationship with comedianactor Pete Davidson and the death of her former boyfriend, the rapper Mac Miller. Last year, a bombing at her concert in Manchester killed 22 people.
“I want to say that I find it interesting that this has been one of the best years in my career and like the worst of my life,” she said while accepting the award.
“I feel like a lot of people would look at someone in my position right now, I guess, like Woman Of The Year, an artiste that could be at her peak ... and think, ‘She’s really got her (stuff ) together. She’s really on it. She’s got it all.’
“And I do, but as far as my personal life goes, I really have no idea what the (expletive) I am doing.”
“It’s been a very conflict“I ing one,” she added. just want to say if you’re someone out there who has no idea what this next chapter is going to bring, you’re not alone in that.”
Grande’s successful year included another No. 1 album with Sweetener as well as multiple hits, from No Tears Left To Cry to God Is A Woman and Breathin.
She sang Thank U, Next –her first No. 1 smash on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart – in front of the audience which included Alicia Keys, Dua Lipa, music executives and honorees like Cyndi Lauper and Janelle Monae.
Patti LaBelle praised Grande for her strong vocal ability before handing her the award, and the night was full of similar moments as women uplifted one another.
British singer Ellie Goulding hosted the event, where Lauper was given the Icon award. – AP