Problem was released as the lead single from Grande's
second studio album, on April 28, 2014.
It features a guest appearance from Australian
rapper Iggy Azalea.
On May 8, 2014, the song
debuted at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her biggest hit in the United States,
surpassing
The Way.
She explained to Billboard magazine:
"'Problem' truly represents the feeling of being absolutely terrified to re-approach a relationship
that's gone sour -- but you want to more than anything," she explained to Billboard magazine.
"In the song, it ends on a sappy, negative note, but in [real] life, we're hoping it's going to end on a
positive one, I feel like it's all very honest and human."
Ariana was initially unsure of the song and so decided to strengthen it with the help of
Iggy Azalea, whom she met while
attending Katy Perry's MTV EMAs after-party in October 2013.
"I was a fan of hers from when she put
Work out,"
said Ariana of Iggy's 2013 single. "I thought she was so sensible and down-to-earth and talented."
• She won the 2014 MTV VMA for Best Pop for this song