The 25-year old pop star, Ariana Grande, released her album Sweetener on August 17th, 2018. One hit that has been making headlines is her song, “God Is A Woman”, which is currently #17 on Billboard’s Hot 100 for the week of September 24th. Ariana performed this song during the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards, where she stole the show with her choreography, wardrobe, and outstanding vocals. The stage design recreates Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” with a feminine touch, where Grande represents Jesus and her disciples are entirely women. I think is also a representation that women should and are finally having a seat at the table. Their voices are finally being heard and the glass ceiling is being broken.
Many speculate that Ariana must have lip-synced this performance due to her interesting and complex choreography. I find it hard to believe that it would be easy to sing, as well as she can, while upside down. However, vocal coaches of the internet have reviewed the live performance and suggest that her performance was, in fact, live and not lip-synced at all. Additionally, there is controversy regarding the nature of the song between promoting feminine sexuality and religion.
Her lyrics “you love it how I move you, you love it how I touch you, my one, when all is said and done – you’ll believe God is a woman” causes controversy in the Christian community when many refute that God is neither man nor woman and writing a song saying so is blasphemous, especially when it is being referred to in a sexual way. Nonetheless, many people are supportive of Ariana and her word choices in the song, saying she embodies sexual feminine confidence and power that is important to express in today’s society, as woman are progressing in terms of authority and finally gaining the respect they deserve.
The heartwarming part of her performance was the act of bringing the females in her life on stage at the end of the song. I wanted to cry at the amount of love and support of female influence was promoted during this on-stage performance.
At the end of the day, I love women who empower women. Songs that embody female power and strength give other women the confidence to be who they are and express themselves authentically. Personally, I am obsessed with the song. I am obsessed with the live performance. I am obsessed with her. By the end of watching her performance from the VMAs, she made me believe God is a woman just by the amount of talent Ariana was blessed with.
Watch her live performance of “God Is A Woman” from MTV’s 2018 VMAs and see what you think.