MANILA, Philippines – Never mind the naysayers – Ariana Grande might be the world’s favorite doe-eyed songstress today. Never mind that she’s just 22 years old – thanks to her immense talent, she’s a force to be reckoned with.

Rather than building a flashy persona, Ariana is no mere pop princess and lets her music do the talking. She tells the NY Daily News, “I think of music first. I want people to listen instead of look and judge.”

Ariana’s pipes are powerful but also versatile, so expect her to nail any song she lays her hands on. She’s also known to post covers on her YouTube channel, and drops the occasional surprise in her concerts.

As the excitement ratchets up for her Manila show on August 23, we’re sharing some of our favorite Ariana covers, hoping that she’ll sneak a surprise or two into her setlist:
 
“Emotions” (Original: Mariah Carey)

Critics touted the Yours Truly­-era Ariana as a young Mariah Carey. It was an obvious comparison, but that led to mixed reactions. Stephen J. Horowitz of Billboard says, “To be called a miniaturized version of a musician who’s been showcasing their aesthetic for decades implies that you’re copying the past, hoping that time forgot the blueprint you’re repurposing. No one wants to be seen as that girl.” Thankfully, Ariana’s sophomore effort “My Everything” shows a more eclectic side – displaying her versatility – making her a true artist of this day and age.

But give it a chance, and it’s going to be like 1991 all over again! Her rendition is pitch-perfect. When you listen to it, warm and fuzzy nostalgia might take over you:

“If I Were a Boy” (Original: Beyoncé)

Yes, Ariana dared to take on the Queen Bee – on more than one occasion, in fact. It’s a laudable effort that doesn’t try to outshine the original and stands on its own ground. Watch Ariana sing this classic:

“Sweet Life” (Original: Frank Ocean)

Critics adored Frank Ocean’s jazz-funk collaboration with Pharrell for its production and social commentary. Ariana does away with the lush instrumentals of the original and makes do with a webcam – highlighting her own soulful voice:

“Don’t Dream It’s Over” (with Miley Cyrus/Original: Crowded House)

The Aussie band Crowded House first released this soft rock track in 1986. Ariana and Miley (in onesies!) made a fantastic duet out of it, with their respective sweet, fluid voicing, and sultry, country rasp meshing well together like a dream. Miley even said, “You’re an angel, Ariana.”

Plus, it was for a good cause. The collaboration was part of a series meant to help spread the word about Miley’s charity, the Happy Hippie Foundation for homeless LGBT youths.

Watch their duet here:

“I Have Nothing” (Original: Whitney Houston)

At the Inglewood, California, stop of her Honeymoon Tour, Ariana paid tribute to her childhood hero, the late Whitney Houston, with the power ballad, “I Have Nothing.” Even David Foster himself, one of the songwriters, accompanied her on the piano. Watch her absolutely slaying it:

Now, if that wasn’t jaw-dropping enough, watch her try to maintain her cool in front of US President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama:

Do you have your own favorites? Share them with us in the comments below! – Rappler.com

Paolo Abad is a film/television editor and motion graphic designer. He is also a self-confessed concert junkie. Follow his Instagram for live music @outoftunephoto