Break Free (song)

Last updated

"Break Free" was written by Savan Kotecha, Zedd and Max Martin and produced by the latter two. [6] [7] The song was originally intended for a male singer, due to her working on his 2013 single "Say Somethin". In a May 2014 interview during which he talked about "Break Free", Zedd spoke about wanting to collaborate with Grande after hearing her voice for the first time at a Universal showcase. He said, "I was backstage and I heard someone sing. And I didn't know who it was, and I just said 'I want to make a song with whoever is singing right now.' I didn't know who it was, and it turned out to be her. And luckily, now there's a song!" [6] [8] Grande first spoke about collaborating on a song with Zedd in late April in an interview with Billboard. She described the song as "fantastic and super-experimental for me" and further stated, "I never thought I'd do an EDM song, but that was an eye-opening experience, and now all I want to do is dance." [9] [10] She later talked about the song at Wango Tango and shared that she wanted it to be the next single. [11] [12]

According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by Kobalt Music Services America, "Break Free" is written in the key of G minor. [13] Ariana Grande commented on the seemingly nonsensical lyrics, telling Time magazine, "I fought [Max Martin] on it the whole time. I am not going to sing a grammatically incorrect lyric, help me, God! Max was like, 'It's funny — just do it!'" [14]

Release

On May 10, 2014, during an interview after her performance at Wango Tango, Grande revealed that she wanted "Break Free" to be her next single after "Problem". She said, "I did a song with Zedd, who I just met for the first time here, and I'm really excited about that song. I really want that to be the second single. My whole team is like, 'Oh it's too early to pick a new single,' but I'm really leaning towards that one. I love that song so much. He's fantastic and the song is really fun." [15]

Grande began dropping hints about her second single on social media throughout the month of June but did not confirm that it was her Zedd collaboration until June 21, at which point she also revealed the song's name on Twitter. To build hype, Grande started an online countdown for the ten days leading up to "Break Free's" release. On June 28, Grande uploaded a teaser video with a snippet of the song to her Instagram account. [16]

"Break Free" premiered on the one-day revival of the MTV show Total Request Live in a half-hour special titled Total Ariana Live on July 2, 2014. [17] It was made available for purchase as a digital download on iTunes a few hours after the TRL premiere. [18] [19] It reached the number one spot on the iTunes Sales Chart soon after its release. [20]

Critical reception

Rachel Sonis from Idolator gave the song a positive review calling it "the club anthem of the summer" and thought that Grande herself is "dipping her toes into exciting new waters for her upcoming record." [21] Lewis Corner from Digital Spy gave the song four stars out of five and said that the track is "too catchy to be generic". [22] Larry Fitzmaurice from Pitchfork also liked the song praising both the production part of the song and the vocal saying that, "from the zippy opening synth line to the verse's insistent pounding, 'Break Free' certainly invites comparisons to Swedish pop mastermind Robyn; as ever, Grande brings her own skyscraping voice in top form, so vocally the comparisons don't stick." He compared the message of the song to Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone". [2]

"Break Free" was nominated at the 2014 Teen Choice Awards in the Break-Up Song category. [23] It was also nominated for Top Dance/Electronic Song at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards. [24]

Accolades

"Break Free"
Ariana Grande - Break Free ft Zedd cover art.png
Single by Ariana Grande featuring Zedd
from the album My Everything
ReleasedJuly 2, 2014 (2014-07-02)
Recorded
  • 2014
Studio Conway Recording Studios
Genre
Length3:34
Label Republic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Zedd
  • Max Martin
Ariana Grande singles chronology
"Problem"
(2014)
"Break Free"
(2014)
"Bang Bang"
(2014)
Zedd singles chronology
"Find You"
(2014)
"Break Free"
(2014)
"I Want You to Know"
(2015)
YearOrganizationAwardResultRef.
2014 Teen Choice Awards Choice Break-Up SongNominated [25]
2015 Billboard Music Awards Top Dance/Electronic SongNominated [26]
Telehit Awards Most Popular Video in TelehitNominated [27]

Commercial performance

In the United States, "Break Free" debuted at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 with 161,000 digital downloads sold in its first week, entering the Digital Songs chart at number five. [28] [29] Following the release of the song's official music video on August 12, "Break Free" soared on the Hot 100 from number 18 to number four, becoming Grande's fourth top-ten single and her third consecutive top-ten single of 2014. [30] Grande's other singles, "Bang Bang" and "Problem" were also in the Billboard Hot 100 top ten that week, placing at number ten and seven respectively. With three songs in the top ten, Ariana Grande became the second female lead artist to have three singles in the top ten since Adele in 2012. In that same week, "Break Free" jumped from 14 to four on the Billboard Digital Songs charts with 116,000 digital downloads sold, along with "Bang Bang" and the promotional single "Best Mistake" (featuring Big Sean) ranking at numbers two and six respectively. Consequently, Grande became the first female artist to have three songs placing in the top six of the Billboard Digital Songs chart simultaneously and the second overall artist since Michael Jackson. [31] This also marked Zedd's second top ten and his highest-peaking single to date in the US. "Break Free" also peaked at number three on the Dance Club Songs, while topping the Dance/Electronic Songs chart for nine weeks, becoming Grande's and Zedd's first number one in the latter. The song has sold 1.9 million copies in the nation as of June 2020. [32]

Internationally, the song also reached the top ten in Australia, [33] Austria, [34] Canada, [35] Finland, [36] Ireland, [37] Netherlands, [38] New Zealand, [39] Poland, [40] and Sweden. [41]

Impact

In March 2022, "Break Free" has received attention in the Philippines during a campaign rally for presidential candidate, Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate, Sen. Francis Pangilinan. A video of the crowd singing "Break Free" went viral, catching the attention of Grande herself. Grande posted the video on Instagram, stating "I could not believe this was real. I love you more than words". An estimated 137,000 people attended the rally. [42]

Music video

Grande is seen removing clothing while floating in zero gravity, paying homage to the opening scene of the 1968 sci-fi film Barbarella. Break Free music video.png
Grande is seen removing clothing while floating in zero gravity, paying homage to the opening scene of the 1968 sci-fi film Barbarella .

The music video was filmed from June 10–12, 2014. [44] It was directed by Chris Marrs Piliero. Having an intergalactic theme, Grande stated that the video was inspired by the 1968 sci-fi film Barbarella , the Star Wars series and space in general. [45] [46] [47] [48] The plot consists of Grande on a fictional planet renouncing her allegiance to an evil regime of extraterrestrials and freeing a group of prisoners from their cages. She subsequently attacks a giant robot using missiles, but the robot managed to release its hand to catch her, bringing her to the planet's overlord. Her character succeeds in defeating the villain, and the clip ends with Grande and the prisoners she rescued flying away in a spaceship, partying with the crew, as Beats by Dre products are visible in the scene. The song's producer Zedd makes an appearance.

It premiered on YouTube on August 12, 2014. It surpassed 100 million views on October 5, making it Grande's third Vevo-certified music video after "The Way" and "Problem". It made its televised debut three days later on Disney Channel during its original movie How to Build a Better Boy . [49] [50] As of May 2019, the video has received over 1 billion views on YouTube. [51]

Live performances

Grande first performed at the "IHeartRadio Theater at the L.A Honda Stage" on August 22, 2014. She performs the song for the second time at the 31st annual MTV Video Music Awards on August 24, 2014. [52] She then went on to perform it on several television shows, including America's Got Talent on August 27, [53] on Today on August 29, [54] and on The X Factor Australia on September 8. [55] She also performed it at the iHeartRadio Music Festival on September 19. [56] [57] She performed a half acoustic, half upbeat version of "Break Free" on Saturday Night Live on September 27, 2014. [58] Grande once again performed "Break Free" at the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards on November 9, 2014, opening up the show along with her other single "Problem". Grande performed the song at the American Music Awards on November 23, 2014. [59] "Break Free" was part of Grande's set list for the Honeymoon Tour, the Dangerous Woman Tour and One Love Manchester, a benefit concert held on June 4, 2017, for the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing. [60]

The song was also performed at Grande's Sweetener World Tour on all dates from March 18 to November 22, 2019, before it was removed.

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from My Everything liner notes. [61]

Recording and management

Personnel

Other versions

For its sixth season, the hit musical-comedy TV series Glee covered this song in the ninth episode titled "Child Star". This version is performed by Lea Michele, Josie Totah, Dot-Marie Jones, Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison, and Chord Overstreet as their characters Rachel Berry, Myron Muskovitz, Sheldon Beiste, Sue Sylvester, Will Schuester, and Sam Evans, respectively. A small portion of the lyrics is changed for an unknown reason.

Fantasy-comedy series The Good Place uses the original recording of this song as background music for a sequence in its series premiere "Everything Is Fine".

Reese Witherspoon and Nick Kroll performed this in the 2021 animated feature Sing 2 as Rosita and Gunther.

Dakota Lotus, Olivia Sanabia and Ruby Rose Turner sing a portion of the song in a 2020 episode of Coop & Cami Ask the World in their respective roles as Coop, Charlotte and Cami, after Ariana Grande fails to show up at Cami's birthday party. The episode aired during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The song appears in the 2019 Max Martin jukebox musical & Juliet . The song appears in Act 1, where it is performed by Angelique and Lance.

Charts

Certifications and sales

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [132] 6× Platinum420,000
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [133] Diamond250,000
Canada (Music Canada) [134] 4× Platinum320,000
Germany (BVMI) [135] Platinum400,000
Italy (FIMI) [136] 2× Platinum100,000
Japan (RIAJ) [137] Platinum250,000*
Netherlands (NVPI) [138] 2× Platinum60,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ) [139] Gold7,500*
Norway (IFPI Norway) [140] 4× Platinum240,000
Portugal (AFP) [141] Gold5,000
Spain (PROMUSICAE) [142] Platinum40,000
Sweden (GLF) [143] 4× Platinum160,000
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland) [144] Gold15,000
United Kingdom (BPI) [145] Platinum600,000
United States (RIAA) [146] 3× Platinum1,900,000 [32]
Streaming
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [147] Platinum2,600,000
Japan (RIAJ) [148] Platinum100,000,000
Spain (PROMUSICAE) [149] Platinum8,000,000

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

"Break Free" release history
RegionDateFormat(s)LabelRef.
United StatesJuly 3, 2014 Digital download Republic [150]
FranceJuly 4, 2014 [151]
Italy [152]
Japan [153]
United StatesJuly 8, 2014 [154]
United KingdomAugust 6, 2014Digital download [155]
ItalySeptember 26, 2014Radio airplay Universal [156]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clarity (Zedd song)</span> 2012 single by Zedd

"Clarity" is a song by Russian-German DJ Zedd featuring the vocals of British singer Foxes. It was released on 14 November 2012 as the third single from the former's debut studio album of the same name. The song was written by Anton Zaslavski, Matthew Koma, Porter Robinson and Skylar Grey and produced by Zedd. It was released as iTunes Single of the Week on 2 October 2012, and as an 4-track remix EP on 12 February 2013, by Interscope Records. Zedd released an extended mix of the song exclusively on Beatport on 18 February 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ariana Grande discography</span>

The discography of American singer, songwriter, and actress Ariana Grande consists of seven studio albums, two compilation albums, one live album, two extended plays (EPs), fifty-four singles, and fifteen promotional singles. Throughout her career thus far, Grande has sold over 90 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), she has sold over 100 million units, across albums, singles, and features, and 10 million albums and 73.5 million digital singles units as a lead artist. In the U.S., Grande has moved 22.4 million album units, and garnered over 23.6 billion streams across lead artist credits, according to Luminate. Having amassed over 105 billion consumed streams thus far, Grande is the most streamed female artist ever. She is also the most streamed female artist of the 2010s on Spotify and Apple Music. She has amassed 73 chart entries on the Billboard Hot 100—the fourth most entries for a female artist—including eight number ones and 21 top-10 hits altogether so far. Grande was named the sixth top female artist of the 2010s decade, and was ranked among Billboard's Greatest of All Time Hot 100 Artists, at number 78. Grande is also one of the most certified female artists in the UK, with nearly 25 million units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stay the Night (Zedd song)</span> 2013 single by Zedd featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore

"Stay the Night" is a song by Russian-German electronic dance music producer Zedd, from the deluxe edition (2013) of his debut studio album, Clarity (2012). It features vocals from Hayley Williams, the lead singer of American rock group Paramore. The song was written by Zedd, Williams, Benjamin Eli Hanna, and Carah Faye, and produced by Zedd. "Stay the Night" was released to digital retailers on September 10, 2013, by Interscope Records as the lead single off the deluxe edition of Clarity, and the fourth overall single from the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Problem (Ariana Grande song)</span> 2014 single by Ariana Grande featuring Iggy Azalea

"Problem" is a song by American singer Ariana Grande, featuring Australian rapper Iggy Azalea. It was released by Republic Records on April 28, 2014 as the lead single from Grande's second studio album, My Everything (2014). It was written by both alongside Savan Kotecha, Ilya and Max Martin, being produced by the latter two with Shellback, with Peter Carlsson serving as a vocal producer. "Problem" is an uptempo dance-pop and R&B song with influences of funk music, which comprises a melody based on drums, saxophone loops, and trumpets. The chorus features uncredited background vocals from American hip-hop artist Big Sean. Lyrically, Grande has stated that the song is about "the feeling of being absolutely terrified to re-approach a relationship that's gone sour – but you want to more than anything."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zedd discography</span>

Russian-born German DJ Zedd has released two studio albums, one compilation album, 13 music videos, three extended plays, 37 singles and 30 remixes.

<i>My Everything</i> (Ariana Grande album) 2014 studio album by Ariana Grande

My Everything is the second studio album by American singer Ariana Grande, released on August 22, 2014, by Republic Records. In the album's production, Grande worked with a host of producers and co-writers, including Max Martin, Shellback, Benny Blanco, Ryan Tedder, Darkchild, Ilya Salmanzadeh, Zedd, and David Guetta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bang Bang (Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj song)</span> 2014 single by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj

"Bang Bang" is a song by English singer and songwriter Jessie J, American singer and songwriter Ariana Grande and rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released by Lava and Republic Records on 28 July 2014 as the lead single from Jessie J's third studio album, Sweet Talker (2014). The song was written by Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, Rickard Göransson, Grande and Minaj. It was produced by Martin, Göransson, and Ilya, with Kuk Harrell serving as a vocal producer. It is also included on the deluxe version of Grande's second studio album My Everything (2014), serving as the third single from that album.

"Best Mistake" is a song by American recording artist Ariana Grande that features American hip hop recording artist Big Sean. The song served as a promotional single from Grande's second studio album, My Everything (2014), and was released at midnight on August 12, 2014. Written by Grande, Big Sean, and Key Wane with production being done by the latter, the song is a ballad with piano, string, and drum machine instrumentation that lyrically deals with a couple trying to decide on what their future, troubled relationship is going to be like.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One Last Time (Ariana Grande song)</span> 2015 single by Ariana Grande

"One Last Time" is a song by American singer Ariana Grande. It was released digitally by Republic Records on August 22, 2014 as the second promotional single from her second studio album, My Everything (2014). The song was sent to contemporary hit radio as the fifth and final single from the album on February 10, 2015. It was written by David Guetta, Savan Kotecha, Giorgio Tuinfort, Rami Yacoub, and Carl Falk. The song was produced by the latter two, with Tuinfort serving as a co-producer and Ilya serving both as a co-producer and vocal producer. A French version of the song featuring French singer Kendji Girac, alternatively titled "Attends-moi", was released on February 16, 2015, in France, Belgium and Switzerland. It is also included on the deluxe version of Girac's debut studio album Kendji (2015). An Italian version of the song featuring Italian rapper Fedez was released on May 26, 2015, only in Italy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Me Harder</span> 2014 single by Ariana Grande and the Weeknd

"Love Me Harder" is a song by the American singer Ariana Grande and the Canadian singer the Weeknd. It was released by Republic Records on September 30, 2014 as the fourth single from Grande's second studio album, My Everything (2014). It was written by the Weeknd, Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, Peter Svensson, Ali Payami and Belly. The song was produced by Payami and Peter Carlsson, with Svensson serving as a vocal producer. Sonically, "Love Me Harder" is a pop, synthwave, synth-pop, R&B ballad with a "throbbing, electro-heavy chorus", a guitar riff and "big vacuum-esque synths". Lyrically, the song features double entendres about rough sex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Want You to Know (Zedd song)</span> 2015 song by Zedd

"I Want You to Know" is a song by German music producer Zedd, featuring vocals from American singer Selena Gomez from the former's second studio album, True Colors (2015). It was written by Zedd, OneRepublic's frontman Ryan Tedder, and KDrew. "I Want You to Know" was released on February 23, 2015 as the album's lead single and debuted on American contemporary hit radio on March 3, 2015, receiving generally positive reviews from music critics. It has charted within the top 10 in Finland, as well as the top 40 in fifteen additional countries. It has been certified platinum in the United States and Sweden. It won a Latin American Music Award for Favorite Dance Song in 2015. It is also featured in the video games Guitar Hero Live, Dance Dance Revolution A and NBA 2K16.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Into You (Ariana Grande song)</span> 2016 single by Ariana Grande

"Into You" is a song by American singer Ariana Grande. It was released on June 28, 2016 by Republic Records as the second single from her third studio album Dangerous Woman (2016). Grande co-wrote the song with Savan Kotecha, Alexander Kronlund, and its producers Max Martin and Ilya. The song was made available for digital download on May 6, 2016, via pre-order of the album, and was later serviced to US contemporary hit and rhythmic radio stations on June 28 as the album's second single. It is a dance-pop, house, electro, and EDM song that features a club beat, synths, and sharp clicks. The song is about Grande's desire for her partner to show more affection in their relationship. The song received widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised the production and the lyrics of the song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Side to Side</span> 2016 single by Ariana Grande featuring Nicki Minaj

"Side to Side" is a song by American singer Ariana Grande, featuring rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on August 30, 2016 by Republic Records as the third single from Grande's third studio album Dangerous Woman (2016). Grande co-wrote the song with Savan Kotecha, Alexander Kronlund, and Minaj along with its producers Max Martin and Ilya. It is a reggae-pop song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Starving (song)</span> 2016 single by Hailee Steinfeld featuring Gray and Zedd

"Starving" is a song by American singer Hailee Steinfeld and American duo Grey, featuring Russian-German producer Zedd. The song was written by Grey members Michael Trewartha and Kyle Trewartha, Robert McCurdy, Christopher Petrosino, and Asia Whiteacre. It was released on July 22, 2016, through Republic Records and Universal Music Group. "Starving" is included on the Japanese edition of Steinfeld's debut extended play, Haiz (2015). It serves as the record's third and final single.

<i>Stay</i> (Zedd and Alessia Cara song) 2017 single by Zedd and Alessia Cara

"Stay" is a song by Russian-German electronic music producer Zedd and Canadian singer Alessia Cara. The single was released on 23 February 2017 through Interscope Records, and is also featured on the Japanese edition of Cara's second studio album, The Pains of Growing. The official music video was released on YouTube on 18 April 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heatstroke (song)</span> 2017 single by Calvin Harris featuring Young Thug, Pharrell Williams and Ariana Grande

"Heatstroke" is a song by Scottish DJ and record producer Calvin Harris featuring American rapper Young Thug, American musician Pharrell Williams, and American singer Ariana Grande. It is the second single from Harris's fifth studio album, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 (2017). It was released on 31 March 2017 through Sony Music, following "Slide".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bed (Nicki Minaj song)</span> 2018 single by Nicki Minaj featuring Ariana Grande

"Bed" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj, featuring American singer Ariana Grande. It was released on June 14, 2018 by Young Money Entertainment and Cash Money Records as the second single from Minaj's fourth studio album Queen (2018). The song was produced by Ben Billions, Beats Bailey, Supa Dups, and Messy. It marks the fourth collaboration between Minaj and Grande. Commercially, the song peaked at number 42 on the US Billboard Hot 100, as well as reached the top 20 in Australia, Scotland, and the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Happy Now (Zedd and Elley Duhé song)</span> 2018 single by Zedd and Elley Duhé

"Happy Now" is a song by German music producer Zedd and American singer Elley Duhé. Written by Noonie Bao, Sarah Aarons and its producers Zedd and Lotus IV, the song was released by Interscope Records on 18 July 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">7 Rings</span> 2019 single by Ariana Grande

"7 Rings" is a song by American singer Ariana Grande. It was released on January 18, 2019 by Republic Records as the second single from her fifth studio album Thank U, Next (2019). The song was written by Grande, Victoria Monét, Tayla Parx, Njomza, and Kaydence, alongside its producers Tommy Brown, Charles Anderson, and Michael Foster, with additional writing credits going to Rodgers and Hammerstein for an interpolation of their showtune "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Good as Hell</span> 2016 single by Lizzo

"Good as Hell" is a song recorded by the American singer and rapper Lizzo. Written by Lizzo and producer Ricky Reed, it was released on March 8, 2016, by Atlantic Records and Nice Life Recording Company as the lead single from her first extended play, Coconut Oil, and subsequently was the namesake for her 2017 Good as Hell Tour. It was re-released in 2019 as a radio single, when it became a sleeper hit like her first hit, "Truth Hurts". The song was later included as a bonus track on the super deluxe edition of her third studio album, Cuz I Love You (2019), alongside its remix.

References

  1. Corner, Lewis (August 13, 2014). "'Break Free' Single Review". Digital Spy .
  2. 1 2 3 "Ariana Grande: 'Break Free' (ft. Zedd)". Pitchfork . Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  3. Leight, Elias (August 17, 2018). "Ariana Grande's Sweetener Proves That Trap Is the New Pop". Rolling Stone . Retrieved November 11, 2019.
  4. "Listen to Ariana Grande Go EDM with Zedd on 'Break Free'". Radio.com. July 2, 2014. Archived from the original on July 8, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  5. Villa, Lucas. "Listen: Zedd helps Ariana Grande 'Break Free' on new dance track", AXS. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  6. 1 2 Garibaldi, Christina (June 30, 2014). "Ariana Grande's 'Break Free' The Next Song of the Summer? Zedd Thinks So". MTV.
  7. Wass, Mike (July 2, 2014). "Ariana Grande Premieres Zedd/Max Martin-Produced Dance Anthem "Break Free": Listen". Idolator.
  8. "WATCH: Zedd talks Ariana Grande collab". Big 95 KBGO FM. May 12, 2014. Archived from the original on July 29, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  9. Lipshutz, Jason (April 28, 2014). "Ariana Grande Talks 'Problem' Single & Second Album, Due Out August/September". Billboard.
  10. Sherman, Maria (April 28, 2014). "Ariana Grande Is Going EDM With Zedd on New Album". Fuse.
  11. Smith, Carl (May 13, 2014). "Ariana Grande teases new single with Zedd: 'It's so different for me'". Sugarscape.
  12. Perricone, Kathleen (May 12, 2014). "Ariana Grande Wants Next Single to Be Her Zedd Collaboration". Ryan Seacrest.
  13. "Ariana Grande 'Break Free' Sheet Music – Download & Print". Musicnotes.com. Kobalt Songs Music Publishing. August 2014. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
  14. Feeney, Nolan (August 7, 2014). "Ariana Grande makes sense of Martin's crazy lyrics". Time.com . Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  15. "Ariana Grande Backstage at Wango Tango". kiisfm.com. Archived from the original on December 27, 2015. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  16. Grande, Ariana (June 28, 2014). ""Break Free" teaser video". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 26, 2021.
  17. "MTV, Ariana Grande Reviving 'TRL' for One Day to Debut New Song 'Break Free'". Music Times. June 25, 2014.
  18. "New Music: Ariana Grande (feat. Zedd) – 'Break Free'". Direct Lyrics.
  19. "Break Free [feat. Zedd]: Ariana Grande: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.[ dead link ]
  20. Cantor, Brian (July 3, 2014). "Ariana Grande's "Break Free" Climbs iTunes Sales Chart". Headline Planet.
  21. Sonis, Rachel. "Ariana Grande & Zedd's “Break Free”: Review Revue", Idolator . Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  22. Corner, Lewis (August 13, 2014). "Ariana Grande ft. Zedd: 'Break Free' review – Too catchy to be generic". Digital Spy .
  23. Seemayer, Zach (July 18, 2014). "The 2014 Teen Choice Awards Reveals Their Very Long List of Nominees" . Retrieved July 18, 2014.
  24. "Music Awards 2015: See the Full List of Finalists". Billboard. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  25. "Teen Choice Awards: The Complete Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. August 10, 2014. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
  26. "Billboard Music Awards 2015: See the Full List of Finalists". Billboard. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
  27. Merol, Vero (October 5, 2015). "Premios Telehit 2015". Vero Merol (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved December 7, 2018.
  28. Trust, Gary. "Iggy Azalea Tops Hot 100 For Seventh Week, Maroon 5's 'Maps' Finds Top 10", Billboard. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
  29. "Ariana Grande's Break Free Debuts Strong on Hot 100 and Digital Charts". Singers Room. July 10, 2014.
  30. Trust, Gary. "Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea Triple Up in Hot 100's Top 10, MAGIC! Still No. 1". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
  31. Caufield, Keith. "Did 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Soundtrack Stay at No. 1". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
  32. 1 2 Trust, Gary (June 26, 2020). "Ariana Grande's Career Streams & Sales, From 'The Way' to 'Rain on Me': Ask Billboard". Billboard . Archived from the original on June 26, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  33. "ARIANA GRANDE FEAT. ZEDD – BREAK FREE (SONG)". Australian-charts.com. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  34. "ARIANA GRANDE FEAT. ZEDD – BREAK FREE (SONG)". Austriancharts.at. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  35. "Ariana Grande". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 6, 2019. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  36. "Musiikkituottajat – Tilastot – Suomen virallinen lista – Artistit". Ifpi.fi. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  37. "GFK Chart-Track". Chart-track.co.uk. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  38. "ARIANA GRANDE FEAT. ZEDD – BREAK FREE (SONG)". Dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  39. "ARIANA GRANDE FEAT. ZEDD – BREAK FREE (SONG)". charts.nz. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  40. "Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free (Polish Airplay Top 20)". ZPAV . Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  41. "ARIANA GRANDE FEAT. ZEDD – BREAK FREE (SONG)". Swedishcharts.com. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  42. Aniftos, Rania (March 21, 2022). "Ariana Grande Shares Video of Massive Leni-Kiko Pasig Rally Singing 'Break Free'". Billboard. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  43. Sullivan, Kevin P. (August 13, 2014). "Every Sci-Fi Movie Reference In Ariana Grande's 'Break Free' Video". MTV. Archived from the original on November 20, 2018. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  44. Devora, Abby (June 13, 2014). "Need To Know: Ariana Grande Wrapped Up Shooting Her Next Music Video". MTV.
  45. Garibaldi, Christina (June 18, 2014). "Is Ariana Grande Channeling Sexy Barbarella? See A Few More 'Hints'". MTV. Archived from the original on June 19, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  46. Lee, Christina (June 18, 2014). "Ariana Grande Dresses Up As Barbarella: Is A New Video On The Way?". Idolator. SpinMedia.
  47. Devora, Abby (June 19, 2014). "Need To Know: Ariana Grande Gives Her Fans Homework And Maybe Another Music Video Hint". MTV.
  48. Seacrest, Ryan (June 28, 2014). "Ariana Grande Announces Exclusive Content". YouTube.
  49. "Ariana Grande – Break Free ft. Zedd". YouTube. August 12, 2014.
  50. Wagmeister, Elizabeth (August 8, 2014). "Ariana Grande To Debut 'Break Free' Music Video on Disney Channel". Hollywood Life. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
  51. "Ariana Grande - Break Free ft. Zedd". YouTube. May 1, 2019.
  52. White, Caitlin. "Ariana Grande Will Perform 'Break Free' Live at the 2014 VMAs!". MTV. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  53. Wagmeister, Elizabeth. "Ariana Grande Rocks 'Break Free' On 'America's Got Talent'". Hollywood Life. Archived from the original on February 10, 2017. Retrieved August 28, 2014.
  54. Stern, Bradley (August 29, 2014). "Ariana Grande Performs "Problem," "Break Free," "Bang Bang" & "Break Your Heart Right Back" On 'Today Show'". Idolator. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
  55. "Latest and Greatest: Special Guests". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. September 5, 2014. Archived from the original on September 8, 2014. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
  56. "Ariana Grande – Break Free (Live on the Honda Stage at the iHeartRadio Theater LA)". YouTube. Retrieved August 28, 2014.
  57. "Watch Ariana Grande's iHeartRadio Performances Here!". Fanlala. Archived from the original on September 25, 2014. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  58. Melas, Chloe. "Ariana Grande Performs Sexy Rendition Of 'Break Free' On 'SNL'". hollywoodlife.com. Archived from the original on April 20, 2017. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
  59. "Ariana Grande Will Perform at 2014 American Music Awards". Billboard . Archived from the original on November 19, 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  60. Iasimone, Ashley (June 4, 2017). "One Love Manchester: Ariana Grande Opens Benefit Concert With 'Be Alright,' Joins Black Eyed Peas for 'Where Is the Love?'". Billboard . Retrieved June 4, 2017.
  61. My Everything (CD). Ariana Grande. Republic Records. 2014. p. 4. 3799485.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  62. "Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
  63. "ARIA Dance Singles Chart – 14/7/14". ARIA Charts. July 14, 2014. Archived from the original on July 19, 2014.
  64. "Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  65. "Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved September 26, 2014.
  66. "Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free" (in Dutch). Ultratop Dance. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
  67. "Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
  68. "Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free" (in French). Ultratop Dance. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  69. "Top 100 Billboard Brasil – weekly". Billboard Brasil . November 1, 2014. Archived from the original on November 4, 2014. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
  70. "Ariana Grande Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  71. "Ariana Grande Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
  72. "Ariana Grande Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  73. "Ariana Grande Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  74. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – RADIO – TOP 100 and insert 201445 into search. Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  75. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – SINGLES DIGITAL – TOP 100 and insert 201436 into search. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
  76. "Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free". Tracklisten. Retrieved October 25, 2014.
  77. "Ariana Grande Chart History (Euro Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  78. "Ariana Grande: Break Free (feat. Zedd)" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  79. "Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved September 3, 2014.
  80. "Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
  81. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Break Free". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  82. "Classifica settimanale WK 39 (dal 22-09-2014 al 28-09-2014)" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  83. "Japan Hot 100". Billboard. July 12, 2014. Archived from the original on February 18, 2017. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  84. "Ariana Grander Chart History (Mexico Airplay)". Billboard . Retrieved July 4, 2021.
  85. "Nederlandse Top 40 – Ariana Grande Featuring Zedd" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  86. "Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  87. "Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  88. "Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free". VG-lista. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
  89. "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
  90. "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Dance Top 50. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
  91. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  92. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201444 into search. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
  93. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201440 into search. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  94. "SloTop50 – Slovenian official singles chart". slotop50.si. Archived from the original on January 6, 2018. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
  95. "2014년 29주차 Digital Chart" (in Korean). GAON . Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  96. "Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free" Canciones Top 50. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  97. "Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free". Singles Top 100. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
  98. "Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved October 12, 2014.
  99. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  100. "Ariana Grande Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
  101. "Ariana Grande Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  102. "Ariana Grande Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  103. "Ariana Grande Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2014.
  104. "Ariana Grande Chart History (Hot Dance/Electronic Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2014.
  105. "Ariana Grande Chart History (Latin Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 11, 2014.
  106. "Ariana Grande Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  107. "Ariana Grande Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
  108. "Top 100 – Record Report". Record Report . R.R. Digital C.A. October 11, 2014. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014.
  109. "End of Year Charts – ARIA Top 100 Singles 2014". ARIA Charts . Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on January 9, 2015. Retrieved February 5, 2015.
  110. "JAHRESHITPARADE SINGLES 2014" (in German). Austrian Charts Portal. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on January 12, 2015. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  111. "JAAROVERZICHTEN 2014: Singles" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved December 26, 2014.
  112. "JAAROVERZICHTEN 2014: Dance" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved December 26, 2014.
  113. "RAPPORTS ANNUELS 2014: Dance" (in French). Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved December 26, 2014.
  114. "2014 Year End Charts – Top Canadian Hot 100". Billboard . Retrieved December 11, 2014.
  115. "Top de l'année Top Singles 2014" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  116. "Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts". GfK Entertainment (in German). offiziellecharts.de. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  117. "FIMI – Classifiche Annuali 2014 "TOP OF THE MUSIC" FIMI-GfK: un anno di musica italiana" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Archived from the original on January 13, 2015. Retrieved January 14, 2015.
  118. "2014 Year End Charts – Japan Hot 100". Billboard . Archived from the original on November 27, 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
  119. "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2014". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  120. "JAAROVERZICHTEN – SINGLE 2014" (in Dutch). dutchcharts.nl. Archived from the original on January 12, 2015. Retrieved December 26, 2014.
  121. "Årslista Singlar – År 2014" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  122. Copsey, Rob (December 31, 2014). "The Official Top 100 Biggest Songs of 2014 revealed". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  123. "Hot 100 Songs – Year End 2014". Billboard. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
  124. "2014 Year End Charts – Dance/Electronic Songs". Billboard . Retrieved December 9, 2014.
  125. "2014 Year End Charts – Pop Songs". Billboard . Retrieved December 9, 2014.
  126. "2015 Year End Charts – Japan Hot 100". Billboard . Archived from the original on December 14, 2015. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
  127. "Top 100 Songs Annual 2015" (in Spanish). Productores de Música de España . Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  128. "2015 Year End Charts – Dance/Electronic Songs". Billboard . Retrieved January 9, 2016.
  129. "2016 Year End Charts – Japan Hot 100". Billboard . Archived from the original on December 13, 2016. Retrieved December 10, 2016.
  130. "Japan Streaming Songs : Year End 2017". Billboard Japan . Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  131. "Decade-End Charts: Hot Dance/Electronic Songs". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2019.
  132. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  133. "Brazilian single certifications – Ariana Grande – Break Free" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil . Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  134. "Canadian single certifications – Ariana Grande – Break Free". Music Canada . Retrieved May 5, 2021.
  135. "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Ariana Grande feat. Zedd; 'Break Free')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie . Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  136. "Italian single certifications – Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved February 5, 2018.
  137. "Japanese digital single certifications – Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan . Retrieved March 31, 2016.Select 2016年4月 on the drop-down menu
  138. "Dutch single certifications – Ariana Grande – Break Free" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers . Retrieved December 19, 2014.Enter Break Free in the "Artiest of titel" box. Select 2014 in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen".
  139. "New Zealand single certifications – Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  140. "Norwegian single certifications – Ariana Grande – Break Free" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norway. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  141. "Portuguese single certifications – Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa . Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  142. "Spanish single certifications – Ariana Grande feat Zedd – Break Free". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España . Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  143. "Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free" (in Swedish). Grammofon Leverantörernas Förening. Archived from the original on June 22, 2018. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
  144. "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Beak Free')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  145. "British single certifications – Ariana Grande ft Zedd – Break Free". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  146. "American single certifications – Ariana Grande – Break Free". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  147. "Danish single certifications – Ariana Grande feat. Zedd – Break Free". IFPI Danmark.
  148. "Japanese single streaming certifications – Ariana Grande – Break Free (feat. Zedd)" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan . Retrieved February 28, 2024.Select 2024年1月 on the drop-down menu
  149. "Spanish single streaming certifications" (in Spanish). Productores de Música de España.Select Streaming under "Categoría", select 2014 under "Año". Select 52 under "Semana". Click on "BUSCAR LISTA".
  150. "Amazon.com: Break Free [feat. Zedd]: Ariana Grande: MP3 Downloads". Amazon. Archived from the original on October 9, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  151. "Break Free – Qobuz.com (French Digital Download)". Qobuz. Archived from the original on October 7, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  152. "Break Free [feat. Zedd] – Ariana Grande (amazon.it)". Amazon.com, Inc. July 4, 2014. Archived from the original on July 7, 2014. Retrieved July 5, 2014.
  153. "Break Free [feat. Zedd] – Ariana Grande (amazon.co.jp)". Amazon.com, Inc. July 4, 2014. Retrieved July 5, 2014.
  154. "FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB . July 8, 2014. Archived from the original on July 20, 2014.
  155. "Break Free [feat. Zedd]". Amazon UK. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  156. "Ariana Grande "Break free" | (Radio Date: 26/09/2014)" . Retrieved March 30, 2015.