Ariana Grande's Songwriting Skills Spark Online Debate: 'Never Touched a Piano, Guitar Once in Her Life'

With a new Ariana Grande album out, Spotify unveiled a new playlist that features songs she is credited with writing. This move sparked a lively debate among fans, with some expressing excitement and others voicing their discontent.

The "Written by Ariana Grande" playlist includes her own songs, like "7 Rings," 'Thank U Next," "Dangerous Woman," and the more recently released hit, "We Can't Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)."

But Spotify went the extra mile to feature the hits Grande wrote for other artists, like Normani's "Motivation," Blackpink's " Ice Cream" featuring Selena Gomez, "Save Your Tears (Remix)," and "Die For You (Remix)" by The Weeknd, "Met Him Ladt Night" by Demi Lovato, and more.

However, the playlist was criticized: "How much y'all wanna bet she's never touched a piano or guitar once in her life and wrote one original song."

"She wanna label herself as a songwriter so bad," another wrote.

"This songwriter rebranding is so stupid."

"Her PR team is really pushing the songwriter narrative when people know that she's not."

Spotify Honors Ariana Grande With New Playlist

According to Billboard, Spotify is rolling out its "Written By" playlists, which highlight the craft of songwriters and music producers.

"It is important to shine an equal light on Ariana's catalog of songs both as an artist and as a songwriter to help amplify both sides of her artistry," said Jacqueline Ankner, in charge of Spotify's songwriting and publishing relations.

Is Ariana Grande a Songwriter?

Eternal Sunshine is not the first time Grande has been credited with writing and producing her songs; she has been doing so for years.

The "Yes, And?" singer has been very hands-on with her projects, especially whenever she is inside the recording booth.

"I've seen Ariana work in real time. That woman is a beast on pro tools," wrote Kenny Beats.

According to reports, Grande has also been credited as a songwriter in several other songs while being a collaborator.

One of her most notable collaborations is "Rain On Me" with Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber's "Stuck With U."

She also co-wrote "Quit" by Cashmere Cat alongside Sia, Benny Blanco, and Frank Romano.

Grande also left her songwriting mark in "I Don't Do Drugs" by Doja Cat, which was featured on the latter's 2021 album, Planet Her.

Tags
Ariana Grande, Singer/Songwriter, Spotify
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