When did Ariana Grande sign with Scooter Braun? Singer's on-and-off professional relationship with former music manager explored

On Monday, June 17, 2024, American entrepreneur, record executive, and music manager Scooter Braun announced his official retirement from being a manager after 23 years.

He revealed that the step was to ensure he could focus all his time and effort on being the CEO of the entertainment company HYBE America, which also owns his own Ithaca Holdings firm since 2021.

The announcement came via a lengthy 1400-word statement where the 43-year-old mentioned all his former associates, including singer and songwriter Ariana Grande.

“It was this past Christmas Day when Ariana and Justin became the biggest male and female in the history of the Spotify Billions club that I just smiled and thought, ‘What a ride.’ Justin and Ariana were both young teenagers when I began with them,” he wrote.

Scooter Braun also mentioned how he discovered Ariana when she was a young actress on Nickelodeon and recalled the day she “opened an arena tour and her excitement side stage.” He also shared how one of his “greatest honors” was to see her and Bieber become the “legends they are today.”

Ariana Grande signed with Scooter Braun in 2013, which marked the start of their long professional relationship.

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Exploring Ariana Grande and Scooter Braun’s on-and-off association

Ariana Grande first signed with Scooter Braun’s management company SB Projects (now part of HYBE America) in early 2013 before the launch of her debut studio album, Yours Truly.

When the album became a commercial success and soared to the top of the Billboard 200 chart, it was Scooter who announced the news on the stage of her debut tour, The Listening Sessions.

However, they briefly parted ways in February 2016 because their professional relationship wasn’t working out. During the hiatus, she released the hit single Jason’s Song (Gave It Away), which was believed to be about Scooter Braun.

However, seven months later, they resolved their differences, and he once again became her manager in September 2016, before the release of the album Dangerous Woman.

Over the next few years, the duo worked together, including during the terrorist attack outside of Ariana’s concert in Manchester, England, in May 2017. In the wake of it, Scooter Braun organized the One Love Manchester charity show featuring Grande alongside Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, and more.

In August 2023, reports emerged that Ariana Grande parted ways with his longtime manager. While neither of them confirmed the news, an insider source told the media:

"They are friendly but she's outgrown him and is excited to go in a different direction. Yes, there are negotiations happening because of contracts. But this is her choice. It's time for something new."

However, on June 12, 2024, HYBE America and the singer’s representatives issued a joint statement to the press announcing that the duo was back in business.

"Ariana Grande and HYBE, led by CEO Scooter Braun, look forward to continuing their long-standing business partnership and pursuing creative opportunities in Weverse and REM Beauty.”

It also stated that the Eternal Sunshine singer would be managed exclusively by Brandon Creed/ Good World Management (signed in December 2023) during this new venture.