Ariana Grande has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the music industry, amassing numerous chart-topping hits throughout her career. Yet, behind the glitz and glamour, some of her tracks hold personal importance that lead her to refrain from performing them live. Surprisingly, her most famous song has resulted in substantial financial sacrifices—something that might catch many fans off guard. In the world of music, especially when it comes to collaborative works and covers, it’s customary for royalties to be divided. However, Grande’s situation is particularly striking as she has seemingly surrendered a vast majority of her earnings.
In the entertainment realm, it’s often said that you have to spend money to make money, a concept that seems to resonate with Grande’s career trajectory. Initially rising to stardom as a child actress on Nickelodeon, she has evolved into a global pop icon. This journey has undoubtedly required her to take significant risks, but she exemplifies how such gambles can yield life-altering rewards. While ceding much of the royalties from her biggest hit may appear daunting, it’s a testament to her strategic approach to artistry that keeps on giving.
Ariana Grande Agreed To Give 90% Of “7 Rings”‘s Royalties To Rodgers & Hammerstein
A 1959 Creation Is Still Inspiring
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IagRZBvLtw
The iconic duo, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, has been behind some of Broadway’s most celebrated musicals. Throughout their collaboration, they crafted timeless classics such as Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and The Sound of Music. The latter, which debuted in 1959, gained immense popularity and was later transformed into a beloved 1965 film featuring the legendary Julie Andrews.
Many of the songs from The Sound of Music, including “Do-Re-Mi,””Edelweiss,”and “My Favorite Things,”have achieved classic status. Ariana Grande sampled “My Favorite Things”to produce her successful track “7 rings.”An obvious connection exists in their titling, but the similarity extends beyond that; the melodies bear a striking resemblance that left no doubt among listeners. Once “7 rings”graced the airwaves, it was clear that Grande had drawn inspiration from the original tune.
Recognizing the clear lineage between the two songs, Grande’s management opted for a straightforward negotiation regarding royalties. The rights to the works of Rodgers and Hammerstein are owned by Concord, which requested a substantial 90% royalty cut for the rights to “My Favorite Things.”As reported by The New York Times, Grande’s team at Republic Records did not contest the terms, which were finalized mere weeks before the song’s launch.
Grande’s Hit About Money Proved She Wasn’t Hurt By Losing It
Some Things Are Worth The Cash
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYh6mYIJG2Y
Despite agreeing to forfeit 90% of the royalties from “7 rings,”it’s worth noting that there might have been potential for a more favorable deal. For instance, Gwen Stefani’s 2006 song “Wind It Up,” which sampled music from the same musical, “The Lonely Goatherd,”only required a 50% cut in royalties. It’s plausible that Grande, with her renowned affection for musical theater, prioritized the artistic value over financial gain in her negotiations.
Grande’s love for the theater is well documented; she recently took center stage in the film adaptation of Wicked. This admiration may have influenced her willingness to acknowledge and honor the original creators of such a legendary production, deeming the opportunity to sample their work as more meaningful than the monetary aspect. The lyrics of “7 rings”reflect this mindset, as they celebrate wealth and luxury, with the memorable line stating, “Whoever said money can’t solve your problems must not have had enough money to solve ’em.”
Regardless of the financial implications, “7 rings”has undeniably catapulted Ariana Grande into the stratosphere of stardom. The track boasts over two billion streams on Spotify and its music video has surpassed one billion views on YouTube. The exposure generated by this hit also played a significant role in propelling her album thank u, next to a remarkable 2x Platinum certification in the United States. Ultimately, Ariana Grande stands as one of the most prominent figures in the entertainment industry, showcasing how honoring one’s roots, taking calculated risks, and uplifting the next generation are part of her core values.