This past August, Ariana Grande released her fourth studio album, “Sweetener,” which generated huge success. With the release of Sweetener, Grande broke the Spotify record for most streams of a female artist on the day of an album release. To wit, Sweetener proves to be the most well received album of 2018, justifying Grande’s partnership with music streaming outlet, Spotify, to bring her album to life.
Sweetener is not only a musical and lyrical work of art, but it was made into an architectural experience this past weekend, the last weekend of September. In the Sweetener exhibit, hosted by Spotify, a specific and unique room was created for all fifteen songs on the record breaking album. Each song has a specific vibe or meaning, which was reflected artistically in the exhibit. Grande has always been enamored with her fans, as conveyed through her social media. She created this walk through experience of her latest music in an effort to give her followers a virtual understanding of the album.
Throughout the Sweetener Experience there were plenty of photo opportunities and interactive pieces. In the room based off of the song “get well soon,” there was a wall of telephones that employ different situations listed above each phone which could be troubling. When a fan puts the phone to their ear, they hear a piece of advice from Ariana Grande, regarding said situation. Another incredible interactive room is based off of the song “pete davidson,” where people can place a lock on a fence with their name and that of a loved one’s to symbolize their loyalty to one another. While touring each room, fans are transported into songs that they have listened to and envisioned for months.
Grande recently released “God is a woman” as a single, and ever since, it has been skyrocketing on the charts. The song has been viewed as a symbol of female empowerment.The music video for “God is a woman” is one of the most iconic videos of 2018 and fans can recognize this in the room based off of the hit song as it is exactly like the scenes in the video, which allowed fans to act as if they were performers in “God is a woman.”
University freshman, Michael DeAngelis, attended the Sweetener experience and felt that Grande’s creation deeply influences her fans. “The experience was different and more unique than any other event a performer has ever held,” DeAngelis said. “The originality was inspiring for fans and other creators.”
Chris Cerra, University freshman, is another self proclaimed Grande fan who was able to attend the event. Through the experience he felt as if he were to “walk through the mind of Ariana Grande.” “The exhibit was such a lovely experience. Ariana really focused on making a very personal experience for her fans to celebrate her new album together,” Cerra said.
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Ariana Grande posted on her Instagram after the exhibit, captioning her photo with an “i love u.” She shared a photo of a book with messages from adoring fans. Grande seems to be even more connected with her fans after the exhibit as she reposted many photos of fans who posed in the enchanting rooms.
Grande and Spotify’s efforts in the Sweetener experience rang true as many fans, University students included, seemed to enjoy the exhibit. This one weekend exclusive, interactive reality was hosted at a secret location, which shares in the aspect of the intimacy between Grande and her fans. “I am so thankful for this opportunity,” aforementioned Cerra said.
