Two of the music industry’s most prominent figures, Demi Lovato and Ariana Grande, have officially severed ties with their longtime manager, Scooter Braun, a renowned figure in the world of music management. This move follows the departure of Colombian reggaeton sensation J Balvin, who left Braun’s SB Projects in May.
Ariana Grande, who first joined forces with Scooter Braun and SB Projects a decade ago, before her 2013 debut album “Yours Truly,” has since risen to even greater heights in her career, releasing a total of six albums, with the latest being 2020’s “Positions.” Additionally, she is set to star in the upcoming movie adaptation of “Wicked.”
Demi Lovato’s connection with Braun began in 2019, shortly after her well-documented struggle with a near-fatal drug overdose. The collaboration aimed to revitalize her career and support her recovery.
Reports emerged on Friday suggesting that Justin Bieber had also parted ways with Scooter Braun, who had played a pivotal role in discovering the Canadian pop star on YouTube. However, Bieber’s representatives swiftly refuted these claims, asserting his continued partnership with Braun.
Who is Scooter Braun?
Scooter Braun, 42, kickstarted his career as a student by organizing parties before delving into the music industry. He gained prominence as the executive director for marketing at So So Def Recordings under the guidance of Jermaine Dupri. In 2007, he founded SB Projects, an influential entertainment and marketing company, followed by Raymond-Braun Media Group in collaboration with Usher.
While Braun is credited with launching Justin Bieber’s career, he is also known for his high-profile clash with Taylor Swift. This dispute was partially linked to his management of Kanye West, contributing to the feud between the rapper and Swift.
In 2019, Braun’s acquisition of Big Machine Records, led by Scott Borchetta, triggered controversy due to the ownership of Taylor Swift’s master recordings from the six albums she recorded under the label. Swift claimed she was not offered the opportunity to buy her master recordings, sparking a heated debate outrightly.
Recently, in 2023, Scooter Braun assumed the role of sole CEO for Hybe America, the US division of the prominent South Korean entertainment powerhouse.
