The comparison gained traction after the British magazine NME published an article titled “The Rebirth of Pop R&B: Is Ariana Grande Taking Mariah’s Place?”, emphasizing the singer’s musical maturity despite her young age. “Ariana has a unique tone and an unusual vocal ability. If she continues on this path, she could become one of the great voices of today,” the publication wrote.
Billboard also dedicated a special feature to the artist, stating that her style combines the freshness of modern pop with the elegance and sophistication of 1990s R&B, a genre for which Mariah Carey became globally recognized. “It is impossible to listen to The Way without, even unintentionally, associating it with Mariah’s classic era,” the article noted.
Ariana expressed surprise and gratitude for the comments. In a recent interview with KIIS FM radio, the singer responded with humility:
“Being compared to Mariah is a huge honor. I grew up listening to her music and have always admired her. I still have a long way to go, but I’m very thankful for those words.”
Fans reacted enthusiastically to the news. On Twitter, the phrase “New Mariah” trended for several hours, with thousands of posts highlighting Ariana’s vocal potential. “It’s not just the range—it’s the emotion and control she has,” wrote one user.
Some critics, however, warn that direct comparisons can create excessively high expectations. Even so, they acknowledge that Ariana shows genuine talent and promises to bring new energy to the music scene.
With the album Yours Truly scheduled for release in August, anticipation continues to grow. If the early reviews are any indication, Ariana Grande has not only captured the public’s attention but also earned the respect of some of the most important voices in music criticism.
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