Diva Exit: Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato Cut Ties with Manager Scooter …

Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato part ways with manager Scooter Braun

Background

Music mogul Scooter Braun, known for his high-profile disputes, has reportedly been dropped by two of his biggest clients, Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato. According to Billboard, both artists have parted ways with Braun, adding to a list of recent departures that includes Colombian star J Balvin. However, reports of a split between Braun and Justin Bieber have been denied.

Braun has built a successful career as a music manager, representing artists such as David Guetta, Black Eyed Peas, Ava Max, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Quavo. He gained recognition in 2008 when he discovered a 12-year-old Justin Bieber singing on YouTube and signed him to a record label. Braun has guided Bieber’s career through various challenges, including legal issues and a transformation from teen idol to adult star.

The Ariana Grande Connection

Ariana Grande joined Braun’s management in 2013 and has since released six albums, most of which topped the US Billboard charts. In 2017, after the devastating Manchester bombing that took the lives of 22 of her fans, Braun organized the One Love benefit concert, raising millions of pounds for the families of the victims. While it is unclear whether Grande is severing all ties with Braun outside of management, she is currently working on the movie adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked.”

The Demi Lovato Partnership

Demi Lovato began working with Scooter Braun in 2019, expressing her excitement at the time. An unnamed source has confirmed that the split between Lovato and Braun was amicable. Braun recently posted a birthday message to Lovato on Instagram, describing her as “one of the kindest souls out there.”

The Taylor Swift Feud

Perhaps most famously, Braun’s feud with Taylor Swift has been highly publicized. It began in 2019 when Braun’s investment group, Ithaca Holdings, purchased Swift’s former record label, Big Machine, for $300 million. This acquisition granted Braun control over the master recordings of Swift’s first six albums. Swift saw this as an act of aggression that “stripped me of my life’s work.” The feud was further fueled by Braun’s previous management of Kanye West, who had a history of belittling and disrespecting Swift.

In response, Swift blocked requests for her music to be used in TV shows and films, cutting off a significant source of income for Braun’s investment group. She also started re-recording her old material to regain ownership of her albums and devalue the originals. Braun eventually sold Swift’s catalogue to another investment firm, Shamrock Holdings. In early 2021, Braun sold Ithaca Holdings to South Korean entertainment giant HYBE, where he now serves as CEO of HYBE America.

Editorial and Implications

The departure of Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato from Scooter Braun’s management company raises questions about the stability and sustainability of his business. While Braun remains a successful and influential figure in the music industry, losing high-profile clients can have a significant impact on his reputation and future prospects.

The split between Braun and Justin Bieber, however, has been denied, suggesting that not all is lost for Braun’s management career. It is worth noting that music industry relationships are complex and subject to constant change. Artists may choose to part ways with managers for a variety of reasons, including creative differences or the desire for a fresh start.

The ongoing feud with Taylor Swift has undoubtedly affected Braun’s standing in the music industry. Critics argue that his actions regarding Swift’s master recordings displayed a lack of respect for the artistic integrity and ownership of artists. The sale of Swift’s catalogue to Shamrock Holdings further emphasized the financial motivations behind Braun’s business decisions. Nevertheless, Braun’s involvement with HYBE, the entertainment giant representing global sensations like BTS, demonstrates his ability to adapt and remain relevant in the industry.

Advice to Braun

As Scooter Braun navigates the aftermath of losing Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato as clients, it would be wise for him to reflect on his management practices and interpersonal relationships within the industry. Building strong and respectful connections with artists is crucial for long-term success. Braun may benefit from reevaluating his strategies to ensure that artists feel supported and heard throughout their careers.

Additionally, prioritizing transparency and open communication with artists can help alleviate potential conflicts and misunderstandings. The Taylor Swift feud serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disregarding an artist’s creative rights and aspirations. Learning from this experience can foster healthier relationships with artists moving forward.

In an industry that thrives on reputation and relationships, Braun’s next steps will be crucial. Adapting to the changing dynamics of the music industry and demonstrating a genuine commitment to artists’ well-being and creative vision will be key in rebuilding trust and securing future partnerships.

Overall, the departure of Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato from Scooter Braun’s management company marks a significant shift in the music industry landscape. As Braun continues to navigate his career, his actions and decisions will determine his future standing and success in the competitive world of artist management.