Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Although it was regarded as a commercial flop, her 1992 album blazed a new path for female artists who wanted to express their sexuality in their music.

Alyssa Griffin, Molloy College

The rise of makeup and beauty trends that try to emulate Asian features has prompted discussions about the harmful effects of stereotypes.

Jordan Oulela, University of Texas at San Antonio

Oftentimes, the hype around a highly anticipated album is ruined when it’s leaked to the public without the artist’s consent. But recently, stars like Ariana Grande and Maisie Peters are using the practice to give them an edge and fuel more excitement for future releases.

Asiya Robinson, Rowan University

The Netflix original may have garnered polarizing opinions from fans and reviewers, but the film’s central issue is what everyone should be paying attention to.

Rory Conlon, De Anza College

In her newest holiday album, Kelly Clarkson makes her mark by combining fresh, personal lyrics with traditional carols: It’s a dazzling gift to give and receive.

Katherine Bry, Washington University

The Netflix special takes a look at the emotions behind the singer’s Sweetener world tour.

Danielle Kuzel, Florida State University

The pop singer has a past full of rushed and rocky relationships. Is her new one moving too fast, or is happiness more important?

Tanisha Bhat, Boston University

While some critics have dismissed the artist’s latest album, a look at the lyrics paints a portrait of a singer who has found some measure of peace after a period of chaos.

Ian Nordin, University of Texas at San Antonio

Whether you think the genre is long gone or still thriving, it continues to influence artists like Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande and Tyler, the Creator.

Rose Younglove, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

They say it’s not good to keep it bottled up, but is letting it out doing more harm than good?

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

The event was overshadowed by the death of Kobe Bryant and looming allegations about the Recording Academy.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

Released just moments after her Sweetener World Tour ended, this recording perfectly captures the intensity and skill of the musician’s live performances.

Jake Mauriello, SUNY New Paltz

Nothings says ’tis the season like a go-to Christmas track.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

Did your favorites make the cut?

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

Almost seven years after the beloved Nickelodeon show ended, it’s finally available on the popular streaming service. Ariana Grande and Victoria Justice have come a long way.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

The album is full of legends, from Chaka Khan to Donna Summer.

Rebecca McKinley Parsons, Wake Forest University

This collaboration between Miley Cyrus, Lana Del Rey and Ariana Grande is a heavenly pairing.

Taylor Sprinkle, University of Texas at Austin

Move over men, Tommy Genesis is here to reclaim the female body.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

The bop brings R&B vibes and creative sounds.

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

As the eligibility period comes to a close, Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish look to dominate.

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

No sugarcoating here, thanks.

Katelyn Melder, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Two years after Styles teased new music, the follow-up to his successful 2017 debut album has been shrouded in mystery.

Amber Amortegui, Palm Beach Atlantic University

Did your favorite make the cut?

Britni Hones, Lindenwood University, Belleville

A line-by-line breakdown of Grande’s ode to splits.

Kelsey Rogers, Susquehanna University

‘break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored’ is deeper than you think.

Anna Sutherland, American University

Each song in the 12-track project offers a new perspective on feminism.

Gabrielle Sheehan, Montclair State University

The award show’s cryptic methodology has led to widespread criticism in recent years.

Gabrielle Sheehan, Montclair State University

The hip-hop community is nonplussed, to say the least, with Grande’s latest sampling choices.

Gracie Riley, University of South Carolina-Columbia

You’ll find that the lovely singer only gets sweet[en]er.

Sarah Brown, University of Florida

Grande’s savvy branding has elevated her from musician to pop culture icon.

Becca Blyn, Harvey Mudd College

The superstar has transformed from a sweet, talented actress into a goddess.

Katie Farrell, Queens University of Charlotte

Move over, Taylor Swift.

Katie Sheets, University of Vermont

… And then shamed for wearing a short dress.

Alexis Rogers, Temple University

On ‘Sweetener,’ the songstress gets personal about how the Manchester bombing changed her life.

Maya Ramani, University of Virginia

Tomorrow, Grande blesses the world.

Cameron Andersen, New York University

So you’d better used it.

Maya Ramani, University of Virginia

Here are four other twosomes that need to put out music together, asap.

Jamie Lovley, University of Maine

The wedding fantasies of millions of Beliebers were destroyed overnight.

Kylie Harrington, University of Southern California

Peteiana Grandson leaves no moment undocumented, but also leave no questions answered.

Cameron Andersen, New York University

All it takes is a certain je ne sais quoi, and maybe Ariana Grande will want to marry you, too.

Alexis Rogers, Temple University

Like manna in the dessert, ‘Raindrops’ has come to sustain desperate Grande fans.

Tori Ihnen, Fort Hays State University

They’re back and badder than ever.

Maya Ramani, University of Virginia

And what about it?

Michaela Sickles, Suffolk University

Summer is the best time to listen to new music and find that perfect song that will follow you from the beach, BBQs and all of your fun in the sun.

Gillian Farnan, SUNY Cortland

This might be the year we finally retire Diana Ross’s “I’m Coming Out.”