The connection between Ellen DeGeneres and Ariana Grande is largely rooted in television appearances, music performances, interviews, and memorable moments on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Over the years, Grande appeared on the program at different stages of her career, giving viewers a chance to see her perform new music and discuss aspects of her professional and personal life.
Some appearances were particularly memorable because they combined Grande’s musical performances with Ellen DeGeneres’ conversational and playful interview style. One of the most notable examples came in November 2018, when Grande performed “thank u, next” on television for the first time on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The performance drew attention not only because of the song’s significance but also because of its creative tribute to The First Wives Club.
This article looks at the major moments involving Ellen DeGeneres and Ariana Grande, including Grande’s earlier appearances, musical performances, interviews, and the widely remembered 2018 “thank u, next” performance.
Key Takeaways
- Ariana Grande appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show at several stages of her music career.
- One early appearance featured Grande performing her 2014 hit “Problem.”
- In 2016, Grande returned to perform an acoustic medley involving “Into You” and “Side to Side.”
- Grande’s November 2018 appearance featured the first televised live performance of “thank u, next.”
- The 2018 performance was inspired by the finale of The First Wives Club.
- Grande’s unexpected stumble during the performance became one of the most talked-about moments from the appearance.
Biography Table
| Detail | Ellen DeGeneres | Ariana Grande |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Ellen Lee DeGeneres | Ariana Grande-Butera |
| Date of Birth | January 26, 1958 | June 26, 1993 |
| Birthplace | Metairie, Louisiana, U.S. | Boca Raton, Florida, U.S. |
| Nationality | American | American |
| Profession | Comedian, television host, actress, producer | Singer, songwriter, actress |
| Years Active | 1980s–present | 2008–present |
| Known For | The Ellen DeGeneres Show, comedy and television | Pop music, Victorious, Sam & Cat, albums and singles |
| Major Achievements | Emmy-winning television career and long-running daytime talk show | Multiple chart-topping singles, Grammy recognition and international music career |
Ellen DeGeneres and Ariana Grande: Their Television Connection
Ariana Grande‘s appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show became part of the television history surrounding her rise from a young performer into an internationally recognized pop star.
The format of the program allowed Grande to do more than simply promote music. Her appearances often combined interviews, performances, comedy segments, and conversations about events surrounding her career.
This made the show a useful platform for Grande during different musical eras. Rather than being associated with only one appearance, her connection with the program developed over several years.
Ariana Grande’s Early Performance on Ellen
One of the earlier documented appearances came in May 2014, when Grande appeared as a musical performer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The episode aired on May 6, 2014, and Grande performed her hit single “Problem.”
At the time, “Problem” represented an important stage in Grande’s transition toward mainstream pop success. The song featured Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, although Azalea was not present for Grande’s performance on the show.
The appearance is significant when viewed in the context of Grande’s later career because it came relatively early in her development as a major pop performer.
Ariana Grande and Ellen’s Interviews
The relationship between the two was not limited to musical performances. Grande also participated in interviews where DeGeneres asked about her life, career and relationships.
One example came in September 2016. After Grande had performed with Mac Miller on the show several years earlier, DeGeneres questioned Grande about whether she was dating Miller. Contemporary reporting described Grande as initially uncomfortable with the direct question.
That exchange illustrates one of the recurring features of Grande’s appearances: the conversations could move quickly from music promotion into more personal subjects.
For viewers, these interviews provided a different perspective from Grande’s carefully produced music videos and stage performances. They also demonstrated how daytime talk shows could become part of the broader celebrity news cycle.
Ariana Grande’s Music on The Ellen Show
Music remained one of the strongest connections between Grande and the program.
In 2016, Grande performed an acoustic medley of “Into You” and “Side to Side” on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “Side to Side” was one of the major songs associated with her Dangerous Woman era.
The performance demonstrated a different side of Grande’s abilities compared with the highly choreographed productions associated with her major pop singles.
Her repeated musical appearances also gave the show an opportunity to showcase her changing sound. Each return could be connected to a different period of her recording career.
The 2018 “Thank U, Next” Appearance
The most recognizable moment involving Ellen DeGeneres and Ariana Grande came in November 2018.
Grande appeared on the show shortly after releasing “thank u, next,” a song that quickly became one of the defining releases of that period of her career. The song addressed her past relationships while focusing on personal growth and moving forward.
The appearance was especially notable because it marked Grande’s first live television performance of “thank u, next.”
The First Wives Club Inspiration
Grande’s performance was not a standard pop-stage presentation.
She and backup singers Victoria Monét and Tayla Parx performed a routine inspired by the 1996 film The First Wives Club. Grande had teased the concept before the appearance, sharing images of the trio dressed in white and referencing the movie.
The inspiration came from the movie’s famous finale involving characters played by Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton and Bette Midler. Grande adapted the visual idea for her performance of “thank u, next.”
This combination of contemporary pop music and a recognizable movie reference helped make the performance visually distinctive.
The Famous Stumble During “Thank U, Next”
Perhaps the most unexpected moment happened during the performance itself.
While singing “thank u, next,” Grande briefly stumbled while performing the choreography. Rather than stopping the performance entirely, she recovered and continued singing. Reports at the time highlighted the incident as a spontaneous and human moment during an otherwise carefully planned television performance.
The moment became memorable because live television does not always go exactly according to plan. Grande’s ability to continue after the stumble became part of the story surrounding the performance.
It also demonstrated an important distinction between a polished music video and a live performance: unexpected moments can become part of the audience’s memory of the event.
Performing “Breathin” on Ellen
The 2018 appearance was not limited to “thank u, next.”
Grande also performed “breathin,” another song associated with her Sweetener era. Contemporary coverage reported that she performed the song during the same appearance.
Having two performances in the same television appearance gave viewers a broader representation of Grande’s music at the time.
“Thank u, next” was immediately associated with the highly discussed personal circumstances surrounding its release, while “breathin” represented another important part of the Sweetener period.
Why the 2018 Appearance Stands Out
Several elements came together during Grande’s 2018 appearance:
- A major new single: “thank u, next” was still very new when Grande performed it.
- A recognizable film reference: The performance incorporated the visual style of The First Wives Club.
- A live television debut: It was the first live television performance of the song.
- Two musical performances: Grande also performed “breathin.”
- An unscripted moment: Her stumble during “thank u, next” added an unexpected element to the performance.
Together, these factors explain why this particular appearance continues to receive attention when people search for Ellen DeGeneres and Ariana Grande moments.
Ellen DeGeneres and Ariana Grande: A Timeline
| Year | Moment |
|---|---|
| 2014 | Grande appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and performed “Problem.” |
| 2016 | Grande returned with an acoustic performance involving “Into You” and “Side to Side.” |
| 2016 | DeGeneres interviewed Grande about her relationship with Mac Miller. |
| 2018 | Grande appeared to perform “thank u, next” for the first time on television. |
| 2018 | The performance incorporated a First Wives Club-inspired concept. |
| 2018 | Grande also performed “breathin” during the appearance. |
What These Appearances Show About Ariana Grande’s Career
Looking across Grande’s appearances provides an interesting snapshot of her evolution as an entertainer.
Her 2014 appearance centered on “Problem,” a major early pop hit. By 2016, she was performing songs from a more established pop career, including “Into You” and “Side to Side.”
By 2018, the context had changed again. “Thank u, next” was not simply another promotional single. Its subject matter, timing and cultural impact made the performance a major television moment.
The progression shows how talk-show appearances can document different stages of a musician’s career. Early appearances can introduce an emerging performer, while later appearances can capture an established artist promoting major releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ariana Grande appear on The Ellen DeGeneres Show?
Yes. Ariana Grande appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show multiple times, including musical performances and interviews. Her appearances included performances of songs such as “Problem,” “Into You,” “Side to Side,” “thank u, next,” and “breathin.”
What song did Ariana Grande perform on Ellen in 2014?
Grande performed “Problem” on the show in May 2014. The episode aired on May 6, 2014.
When did Ariana Grande perform “thank u, next” on Ellen?
Grande performed “thank u, next” on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in November 2018. It was reported as her first live television performance of the song.
Why was Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next” performance memorable?
The performance combined a First Wives Club-inspired concept with the live debut of “thank u, next.” Grande also unexpectedly stumbled during the performance before continuing with the song.
Did Ariana Grande perform “breathin” on Ellen?
Yes. Grande performed “breathin” during her November 2018 appearance, alongside “thank u, next.”
What movie inspired Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next” performance?
The performance was inspired by The First Wives Club, particularly its well-known finale featuring Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton and Bette Midler.
Did Ellen DeGeneres interview Ariana Grande about her relationships?
Yes. During a 2016 appearance, DeGeneres asked Grande about her relationship with Mac Miller after asking permission to discuss relationship-related questions.
Conclusion
The history of Ellen DeGeneres and Ariana Grande is best understood through Grande’s recurring appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Across several years, the singer returned to the program at different stages of her career, performing major songs and participating in interviews.
Her 2014 performance of “Problem” reflected an early stage of her pop career, while her 2016 appearances showed her growing presence as an established recording artist. The 2018 appearance became especially memorable because Grande debuted “thank u, next” on television, performed “breathin,” incorporated The First Wives Club into the staging, and recovered from an unexpected stumble during the performance.
Taken together, these moments provide a useful timeline of Grande’s television appearances and show how her music and public persona developed across different periods of her career.
