Ariana Grande has made a significant career move by parting ways with renowned manager Scooter Braun and HYBE, despite earlier claims suggesting otherwise. A source with inside knowledge of the situation confirmed this development, providing insights into the decision.
Contrary to recent statements from Scooter Braun’s team, the source stated, “Ariana is leaving both Scooter and HYBE. There is absolutely no truth to her staying,” emphasizing Grande’s unfollowing of Braun on social media as evidence. “They are friendly, but she’s outgrown him and is excited to go in a different direction,” the source continued. “Yes, there are negotiations [with Braun] happening because of contracts. But this is her choice. It’s time for something new.”
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While Billboard initially reported this news, sources close to Braun contested the reports. However, the latest statement from the source appears to settle any doubts about Grande’s departure from Braun’s management.
Notably, the decision to part ways with Braun has sparked rumors that Justin Bieber and potentially other artists are also negotiating their exits from Braun’s company as they seek new management. Earlier, sources close to Braun had stated that both Grande and Bieber were not leaving the company, attributing the move to Braun’s shift away from day-to-day management responsibilities to focus on his role as CEO of HYBE America. HYBE is the South Korean entertainment giant behind K-pop sensation BTS, and Braun had sold Ithaca Holdings, the parent company for his SB Projects management business, to HYBE for a staggering $1.05 billion in 2021. However, today’s statement seems to indicate a definitive departure on Grande’s part.
One source revealed that Grande held meetings with at least one management firm before deciding to assemble her own team, with her mother Joan reportedly in a prominent role. The source mentioned that she is considering a management model similar to that of Taylor Swift and other major artists, where management personnel are compensated with an annual salary rather than commission, a structure that appeals to many successful artists as their revenue streams grow and diversify.
However, a source close to Grande’s camp indicated that while she has received numerous inquiries from potential managers, she is taking her time to carefully consider her next move. The singer has been deeply involved in her next major project, the lead role in Universal’s cinematic adaptation of the hit Broadway musical “Wicked.” The film is scheduled for release in November 2024.
What stands out as somewhat unusual is that neither Grande nor Bieber has released a major solo project in several years. Grande, aged 30, has collaborated on singles with artists like The Weeknd but hasn’t released solo music since her “Positions” album in the fall of 2020. Bieber, aged 29, has released a few singles, but his last full album was “Justice” in early 2021. Both artists are at the peak of their careers, and their fans eagerly await new music, given their incredible success in their respective genres.
In conclusion, Ariana Grande’s decision to part ways with Scooter Braun signifies a significant shift in her career as she seeks new opportunities and creative directions. With potential changes on the horizon, the music industry will undoubtedly watch closely as Grande takes her next steps on her musical journey.