With the release of her new album, Ariana Grande debuts a new image to the public (Photo via republicrecords.com)

From a Nickelodeon star to an acknowledged artist in the Hollywood music industry, Grande once again showcases her immense singing talent, as well as her wish to exchange her child star image to that of a pop diva. Compared to the likes of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, Grande has proven to have the pipes, the range and the talent of a performing musician.

However, Grande sells herself short. Although “My Everything” is an album filled with catchy tunes and an impressive list of featuring artists, the excessive pop melodies and rhythmic cadences ultimately overshadows her raw vocals. What Grande lacks in her new album is a song to showcase her true vocal talents. “My Everything” neglects to cater to Grande’s natural R&B voice, and it would have been nice to see her sing without her voice being shrouded by superfluous background vocals and auto-tune. If she has the talent, let her sing. 

Grande’s new album is a perfect example of how Hollywood is not an industry that thrives purely on talent. What sells is success, and Hollywood wants nothing more. In today’s media, what happens to sell is up-beat, loud, and electrifying music, and so that is what Grande sings. Though Grande is arguably one of the most talented young singers in the music business, her record label has her singing hit songs like “Problem” featuring Iggy Azalea, and “Break Free” featuring Zedd. She may be relevant today because she caters to today’s musical standards. However, she most likely will not be remembered like her iconic counterparts, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. 

Though Grande’s fan base consists mostly of younger girls, this album makes it clear that Grande has out-grown her child-like image through songs such as “Love Me Harder” featuring The Weeknd and “Best Mistake” featuring her rumored beau Big Sean. The sexually explicit lyrics and sultry melody goes to show Grande’s graduation of her Nickelodeon days, and entryway into mainstream Hollywood media. This album serves to be Grande’s debut as an adult. No longer a Nickelodeon star, Grande makes it a point to both her fan base and the media that she is a woman, and not a girl that the media portrays her to be.

Though this album is important for her breakthrough as a solo artist and her reconstruction of her image, this album fails to showcase Grande’s full potential. That does not mean that people will not be listening to it and loving it, but it is unfortunate that Grande chose commercial success over artistic integrity. 

Reach Staff Reporter Jenny Kim here.