But before the iTunes release, all her Arianators got an early taste of the track when she premiered it on live tv during a performance at the Radio Disney Music Awards. I'm glad she left her signature cutesy style at home for this performance and went for a more mature look: a tight black bodice with pants and Mickey Mouse ears (great way of pledging allegiance to The House Of Mouse ^^). Plus, I had absolutely no idea girl could dance like that, all while delivering some great live vocals! Not bad for a 20 year-old.
Obviously, the hype surrounding this song was totally justified, because it is EVERYTHING!
I'm used to hearing Ariana belt out gorgeous ballads, but "Problem" is the total opposite from her usual comfort zone. The track revolves around this sax sample that blows my mind (a little inspired by Jason Derulo's "Talk Dirty" perhaps), reminiscent of '90s pop mixed with the current urban trend. The constant catchiness of it all is just so captivating! And once again it's clear that Ariana has some serious pipes on her tiny little frame!
I do have to admit it's not the most original song out there, but it may well be a bigger hit for Ariana in Europe, unlike "The Way". "The Way" was a mega-hit overseas, but didn't quite break the mold over here.
Let's hope "Problem" does, because it's one hell of a song!
Watch her live performance, as well as the stunning black and white lyric video below.