Why Ariana Grande's music is so important

On Monday night, Ariana Grande fans — AKA "Arianators" — excitedly gathered for a shared purpose; to watch her perform the songs they love. But, the awful events which transpired that night meant that some of those fans didn't make it home.
                                   

Grande fans are now mourning the loss to their fanbase; a community whose shared love of her music spans several generations. And, that curious ability to transcend generations stems from her own evolution from an innocent teenage Nickelodeon star to a grown-up pop star who appeals to adults and children alike.

I didn't grow up watching Victorious, but rather grew to love Grande's songs about sex and relationships. Her most recent album Dangerous Woman was my anthem as I sat teary-eyed on the London Underground in the aftermath of a breakup. But, her songs are more than just songs about sex and love. As I strut along to the beat of "Be Alright" and "Everyday", I feel strong and empowered. And, yes, pop songs really do make you feel those things.

Grande's fans are keen for her to not be dismissed as yet another sexy pop star singing about her bedroom antics. 26-year-old super-fan Elisabeth Joffe says that the reason people underestimate Grande is because "people undermine women who look like young girls" and she says people think that Grande "plays up the sexy baby thing". But, though she be little — 5 foot 3 inches, to be precise — she is fiercely inclusive, says Joffe.

For other super-fans, Grande represents strength. "Ariana's music is more than just someone singing over a musical beat. Ariana's music is strength, love, empowerment," says 17-year-old fan Stephanie. "She has songs like "One last time" and "Thinking of you" which now hold such a strong meaning to our fanbase since the Manchester tragedy."