Ariana Grande before she was famous

Ariana Grande is one of the biggest pop stars in the world. But how did she begin her amazing singing career?

Instructions

Do the preparation task first. Then watch the video and do the exercises. Remember you can read the transcript at any time.

Transcript

(video of Ariana singing)

Presenter: This is Ariana back in 2006 performing in the school production of the musical Calamity Jane. And I’m here to get all the goss about Ari’s schooldays from her former teacher, Candi Tandy.

Presenter: That was so good! Her voice was just perfect from way back then.

Teacher: Yes.

Presenter: Now, Candi, Ariana was in your choir and you taught her one-on-one. Tell me everything and do not hold back.

Teacher: One of the things I remember the most about her in class-time was that she just … she couldn’t sit still, like, she had to be doing something, kind of like the class clown.

Presenter: So what’s your favourite story about Ariana?

Teacher: She had received the Music Student of the Month award and most of the time when the kids would get their award, they would just stand there with their certificate and smile. But not her. She decided that she wanted to do something really zany, so out of her pocket she pulls, like, a shower cap. And she puts that on her head and she makes this interesting pose and she says, ‘Can I do this?’ It was so adorable and so unique that I said, ‘Absolutely, let’s do it.’ And that was her picture. And we have some of the yearbooks.

Presenter: I love looking at old photos of people.

Teacher: Oh, there she is.

Presenter: Oh, she’s so cute! She had a little fringe on the side back then.

Presenter: Being a star pupil and winning a music award at school gets you three Ambo points, Miss Grande.

Presenter: Whilst at the school, I decided to catch up with some current pupils who are hoping to follow in Ariana’s footsteps.

Presenter: Daniel, how do you feel to be going to the same school as her?

Daniel: It feels really good. And knowing also that we do the same thing that she did when she was in school too.

Presenter: Is that what you want to do when you’re older?

Girl: Well, performing is one of my favourite things to do and to, like, follow what she did is, like, really cool.

Presenter: So are you super proud of her?

Students: Yes. Yeah, definitely.

Presenter: Aww. What’s your favourite Ariana Grande song?

Students: ‘Break Free’. ‘Break Free’!

Presenter: Same here! Guys, I feel this!

(everyone sings Ariana Grande’s song ‘Break Free’)

© BBC

Discussion

Who is your favourite singer? How did he or she start singing? Did any famous people go to your school?

Language level
Average: 4 (4 votes)
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Comments

Submitted by NehoSak on Thu, 02/02/2023 - 13:28

My favourite singer is Taylor Swift. I have no idea how she started her music career but she sings and dances so beautifully!! No famous person goes to our school but I wish someone did.

Submitted by WAED1 on Sat, 06/02/2018 - 11:44

My favorite singer is the Canadian: Bryan Adams who has unbelievable voice tell you a lot about the true emotions and feelings.
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