Grande’s love for Once Upon a Dream is rooted in her childhood fascination with Disney princesses and the magical world they represent. As a young girl, she was drawn to the enchanting melodies and fairy-tale stories that Disney movies presented, and Sleeping Beauty was no exception. Over the years, Grande has expressed how much she admires the beauty of the song and how it resonates with her as an artist. This dream became a reality when she had the opportunity to showcase her rendition of the song at the prestigious 2024 Met Gala.
The Met Gala, known for its extravagant themes and red carpet moments, provided the perfect platform for Grande to demonstrate not only her vocal prowess but also her ability to blend classical and modern music. Her performance of "Once Upon a Dream" captivated the audience, drawing attention to her incredible vocal range and her deep connection to the song. Grande’s rendition was nothing short of magical, and it solidified her passion for Disney music as a significant part of her artistic journey.
The Met Gala, often considered one of the most exclusive events in the fashion and entertainment industries, is an event where the world’s most influential figures come together to celebrate art, culture, and creativity. In 2024, Ariana Grande made a memorable appearance at the Gala, performing an operatic version of Once Upon a Dream from Sleeping Beauty. This performance was a clear reflection of Grande’s versatility as a performer and her desire to push boundaries in her music career.
Grande’s operatic rendition of the Disney classic was more than just a tribute to a beloved song—it was a showcase of her incredible vocal ability. Known for her impeccable control and expansive range, Grande effortlessly navigated the operatic elements of the song, transforming it into a powerful and emotional performance. The audience at the Met Gala was mesmerized by her vocal technique, and the performance quickly became a highlight of the evening.
Grande’s decision to sing Once Upon a Dream at such a high-profile event also speaks to her deep appreciation for the song’s themes of love, destiny, and magical dreams. The Met Gala’s theme for 2024 was centered around fairy tales, and Sleeping Beauty was the perfect fit for the occasion. Grande’s performance was a seamless blend of classic Disney magic and her unique musical artistry, making it one of the most talked-about moments of the event.
For Ariana Grande, Once Upon a Dream is not just a song—it’s a reflection of her own journey as an artist. The song, with its delicate melodies and enchanting lyrics, speaks to themes of love, hope, and finding one’s path in life. These are themes that have resonated with Grande throughout her career, both in her personal life and in her music.
Grande has often spoken about her deep emotional connection to music, especially songs that convey a sense of longing, dreams, and aspirations. Once Upon a Dream encapsulates these feelings, making it a perfect fit for her vocal style and emotional expression. The song's message of destiny and romance also mirrors Grande’s own experiences, as she has always dreamed of achieving greatness through her music and connecting with her audience on a deeper level.
Additionally, Grande’s vocal range and style are ideally suited for the operatic, ethereal qualities of Once Upon a Dream. The song demands a singer who can effortlessly glide through delicate high notes and powerful low passages, and Grande’s voice is one that naturally lends itself to this type of performance. Her ability to infuse the song with both technical precision and emotional depth made her rendition of Once Upon a Dream stand out as a defining moment in her career.
Ariana Grande’s admiration for Disney music is well-known, and her performance at the Met Gala is just one example of how she has embraced these classic songs throughout her career. Disney films, particularly those from the Golden Age of animation, have had a profound impact on Grande’s musical journey.
From Cinderella to Beauty and the Beast, Disney songs have been a significant source of inspiration for Grande. The melodies are timeless, and the stories they tell resonate with people of all ages. For Grande, Disney music represents a blend of fantasy, hope, and emotional connection that she has always strived to convey in her own work.
Grande’s connection to Disney music goes beyond mere nostalgia. It’s about the artistry behind the songs and how they can evoke powerful emotions. Disney composers such as Alan Menken, Sherman Brothers, and others created some of the most iconic and beloved songs in history. Grande has cited Disney music as a major influence on her vocal style, particularly the way the songs combine storytelling with powerful, memorable melodies.
One of the standout features of Ariana Grande’s singing style is her incredible vocal range. Known for her ability to effortlessly transition between registers, Grande can tackle a wide variety of genres and vocal styles. Her operatic take on Once Upon a Dream at the Met Gala is a perfect example of how she can seamlessly blend classical techniques with contemporary music.
Grande’s vocal training has played a crucial role in developing her ability to perform operatic and classical music. Her training allows her to achieve perfect pitch and control, which she showcased during her performance of Once Upon a Dream. The operatic nature of the song requires a singer to have both power and precision, and Grande's ability to meet these demands makes her an ideal artist for this type of music.
The operatic style also allows Grande to showcase her ability to use her voice in a wide variety of ways. From delicate, soft passages to soaring high notes, Grande's technical mastery is evident in her performances. The operatic version of Once Upon a Dream highlighted her ability to take a well-known Disney song and transform it into something new while preserving its emotional essence.
