Give It Up (feat. Elizabeth Gillies)
Ariana Grande
Theatrical belting meets teenage energy in this duet that leans heavily into classic Broadway-tinged pop. The chemistry between Ariana and Elizabeth Gillies is obvious — they push each other vocally in ways that feel like genuine play rather than competition, trading lines with a looseness that suggests real friendship. The production keeps a brisk pace, all punchy piano and clipped percussion, creating a frame tight enough that the vocal acrobatics feel even more impressive. The lyrical premise is about independence and self-possession, framed through the metaphor of not needing to give anything up — your identity, your standards, your sense of self — for the sake of a relationship. It channels something of the classic girl-group spirit while being firmly rooted in its early-2010s pop context. Neither voice dominates; the song works because of its balance. You'd listen to this while getting ready with a friend, on the drive home from somewhere that reminded you who you are, or during any moment where a little defiance feels appropriate. It's minor Ariana in terms of cultural footprint but major Ariana in terms of pure vocal joy — a showcase for what she could do before the industry fully understood what it had.
fast
2010s
bright, punchy, theatrical
American pop / Broadway
Pop, Ballad. Broadway-Pop / Teen Pop. playful, defiant. Sustains lively, spirited energy throughout as two voices push each other into genuine play, landing on a note of joyful self-possession.. energy 7. fast. danceability 7. valence 8. vocals: dual female voices, theatrical belting, competitive yet playful, genuine chemistry. production: punchy piano, clipped percussion, tight Broadway-inflected arrangement. texture: bright, punchy, theatrical. acousticness 3. era: 2010s. American pop / Broadway. Getting ready with a friend, or any moment where a little defiance and vocal joy feel exactly right.