Ariana Grande's 2020 Music Videos: A Look Back

Hey guys! Let's dive into the amazing music videos Ariana Grande gifted us in 2020. It was a year of incredible creativity, catchy tunes, and stunning visuals. Ariana really outdid herself, and we're here to break down each music video, discussing the themes, impact, and overall artistry. Get ready to reminisce about some of the most iconic moments in pop music history!

"Stuck with U" with Justin Bieber

A Collaborative Anthem of Togetherness

"Stuck with U," released in May 2020, was a collaborative effort with Justin Bieber during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The song and its accompanying music video served as a heartwarming ode to togetherness, love, and resilience during a time of unprecedented isolation. The entire project had a charitable angle, with proceeds going to First Responders Children's Foundation to support those on the front lines of the pandemic. This added an extra layer of significance to the track, making it more than just a catchy pop song but a beacon of hope and support.

The music video itself is a compilation of home videos submitted by fans and celebrities alike, showcasing intimate moments of people quarantining with their loved ones. It's a beautifully simple yet profoundly moving concept that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Seeing people dancing, laughing, and simply being together in their homes created a sense of unity and connection during a time of physical separation. Ariana and Justin also included snippets of themselves with their partners, adding a personal touch that fans adored.

The raw and authentic feel of the video perfectly complemented the song's message. It wasn't about elaborate sets or intricate choreography; it was about real people sharing real moments. This approach made the video incredibly relatable and accessible, allowing viewers to see themselves reflected in the scenes unfolding on screen. The success of "Stuck with U" wasn't just about the star power of Ariana and Justin but also about the genuine emotion and empathy it conveyed.

Beyond its emotional impact, "Stuck with U" also demonstrated the power of music to bring people together during challenging times. It reminded us that even when physically apart, we could still find ways to connect, support each other, and celebrate the love and relationships that matter most. The song became an anthem of hope, a reminder that we were all in this together, and that better days were ahead. Ariana and Justin's collaboration was a testament to their artistry and their commitment to using their platform for good.

Impact and Reception

The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Ariana's third and Justin's sixth number-one single in the US. It was a massive commercial success and received positive reviews for its feel-good vibe and charitable intentions. The music video was viewed millions of times within hours of its release, and the positive feedback flooded social media. Fans praised Ariana and Justin for creating something so meaningful and uplifting during a difficult period. "Stuck with U" remains a symbol of unity and hope from 2020.

"Rain on Me" with Lady Gaga

A Powerful Collaboration of Pop Icons

"Rain on Me," released in May 2020, was a monumental collaboration between two of the biggest pop icons of our time: Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga. This high-energy dance track served as the second single from Gaga's sixth studio album, Chromatica. The song is an anthem of resilience, celebrating the ability to overcome personal struggles and find strength in adversity. Its upbeat tempo and powerful lyrics resonated with listeners around the world, making it an instant hit.

The music video for "Rain on Me" is a visual masterpiece, directed by Robert Rodriguez. It portrays Ariana and Gaga as warriors in a futuristic, dystopian world, battling their inner demons and finding liberation through dance and unity. The choreography is fierce and dynamic, perfectly complementing the song's empowering message. The video is filled with striking imagery, from the dramatic weather effects to the stunning costumes and makeup.

The collaboration between Ariana and Gaga is seamless, with their vocal styles blending harmoniously. They exude confidence and strength, inspiring viewers to embrace their own struggles and find their inner warrior. The video's message of overcoming adversity is particularly poignant, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, we can find hope and resilience within ourselves. The visual storytelling is compelling, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and deeply meaningful.

The impact of "Rain on Me" extends beyond its catchy beat and impressive visuals. It's a celebration of female empowerment, showcasing two powerful women coming together to create something truly special. The song's message of resilience and overcoming adversity is particularly relevant in today's world, where many people are facing personal and collective challenges. Ariana and Gaga's collaboration is a testament to the power of music to inspire, uplift, and unite.

Visuals and Choreography

The visuals in "Rain on Me" are stunning, with a futuristic, almost apocalyptic vibe. The choreography is intense and perfectly synchronized, showcasing Ariana and Gaga's incredible dance skills. The video is a feast for the eyes, with vibrant colors, dynamic lighting, and striking costumes. It's a perfect example of how a music video can elevate a song to a whole new level of artistry.

Impact and Reception

Like "Stuck with U", "Rain on Me" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Ariana's fourth and Gaga's fifth number-one single in the US. It won the MTV Video Music Award for Song of the Year and Best Collaboration. The song was a critical and commercial success, solidifying Ariana and Gaga's status as pop icons. The collaboration was praised for its powerful message, incredible vocals, and stunning visuals.

"Positions"

A Playful and Empowering Visual Feast

Released in October 2020, "Positions" marked the lead single from Ariana Grande's sixth studio album of the same name. The song is a flirty and confident declaration of love and willingness to do anything for that special someone. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics made it an instant hit with fans. But it was the music video that truly captured the imagination and sparked conversations.

The "Positions" music video, directed by Dave Meyers, presents Ariana as the President of the United States, navigating the responsibilities of the highest office while also showcasing her playful and romantic side. The video is filled with symbolic imagery and subtle political commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Ariana's portrayal of a female president is empowering and inspiring, offering a glimpse into a more inclusive and equitable future.

The video features Ariana in various roles within the White House, from signing documents in the Oval Office to cooking in the kitchen and walking her dogs on the lawn. This juxtaposition of power and domesticity challenges traditional gender roles and celebrates the multifaceted nature of women. The video also includes a diverse cast of characters, representing different ethnicities, ages, and backgrounds, further emphasizing the message of inclusivity and representation.

The visuals in "Positions" are stunning, with impeccable styling, elegant sets, and a sophisticated color palette. Ariana's outfits are chic and stylish, reflecting her character's confidence and poise. The choreography is subtle yet effective, adding to the video's overall charm. The video's attention to detail is remarkable, creating a world that is both aspirational and relatable.

Political Undertones and Empowerment

Beyond its catchy tune and playful visuals, "Positions" also carries a message of female empowerment and political commentary. Ariana's portrayal of a female president is inspiring, and the video's diverse cast promotes inclusivity and representation. The video sparked conversations about gender roles, politics, and the power of representation in media.

Impact and Reception

"Positions" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Ariana's fifth number-one single in the US. The song and video were praised for their empowering message, catchy melody, and stunning visuals. Fans loved Ariana's portrayal of a female president and the video's overall message of inclusivity and representation. "Positions" solidified Ariana's status as a pop icon and a cultural force.

Final Thoughts

Ariana Grande's music videos in 2020 were not just visually stunning and entertaining; they also carried important messages of hope, resilience, empowerment, and unity. From the collaborative anthem of "Stuck with U" to the powerful resilience of "Rain on Me" and the playful empowerment of "Positions," Ariana gifted us with a collection of unforgettable moments that will continue to inspire and uplift us for years to come. These videos showcased her artistry, her ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level, and her commitment to using her platform for good. What were your favorite Ariana moments from 2020? Let us know in the comments below!