Grammy Award

Lore & Background

The award was one of several new categories for the annual Grammy Awards ceremony starting from 2012, combining the previous categories for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, and Best Pop Instrumental Performance. This restructuring resulted from the Recording Academy's wish to decrease the list of categories and awards and to eliminate distinctions between collaborations and duo or groups. According to the 63rd Grammy Awards category rules, the award goes to the performing artists, while the producer, vocal arranger, engineer, and songwriter can apply for a Winners Certificate.

In Their Own Story

Ariana Grande's two wins in this category place her alongside SZA, Bruno Mars, and Ariana Grande as the only acts overall to win this category multiple times, each with two wins. Her five nominations tie her with Coldplay for the most nominations in this category. The award is presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards.

Reader's Guide

Ariana Grande's relationship with the Recording Academy highlights her transition from teen star to vocal powerhouse. Her contributions reshaped modern pop by blending R&B melodies with high-note agility, setting a new standard for live performance expectations at major ceremonies. Beyond technical skill, her advocacy work often intersects with award seasons, using visibility to support mental health awareness and disaster relief efforts. The industry impact extends past sales figures. She influenced vocal trends where breathy textures meet whistle registers, encouraging peers to prioritize dynamic range in production. Her nominations across various categories demonstrate versatility, proving she could excel in collaborative duets as well as solo endeavors. This recognition solidified her status not just as a hitmaker, but as an artist respected by industry professionals for longevity and growth. Furthermore, her acceptance speeches often reflect gratitude towards fans, reinforcing the community aspect of fandom culture within the music business. By consistently delivering high-energy performances during award shows, she maintained relevance in a rapidly shifting media landscape. Ultimately, these accolades serve as milestones that track her artistic maturity over time.

Did You Know?

• Ariana Grande has two wins in this category, making her one of only three acts to win multiple times.
• She and Coldplay hold the record for the most nominations in this category, with five nods each.
• The award was first presented in 2012, combining three previous categories: Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, and Best Pop Instrumental Performance.
• The award goes to the performing artists; producers, vocal arrangers, engineers, and songwriters can apply for a Winners Certificate.
• Lady Gaga has the most wins in this category, with three.