 " The Way " was released to digital retailers through Republic Records in the United States on March 26 , 2013 as the album 's official lead single . It was written by the song 's producer Harmony Samuels , alongside Amber Streeter , Al Sherrod Lambert , Jordin Sparks , Brenda Russell and Mac Miller , who is also featured in the song . Seven hours after its release on the iTunes Store , " The Way " topped its " Top Singles " chart . It debuted at number ten on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 , becoming Grande and Miller 's first top ten song on the chart . This made Ariana the first top 10 arrival for a lead female artist making her first Hot 100 appearance since Yael Naim , who launched with " New Soul " back in 2008 . The song peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 . " The Way " sold over 120 @,@ 000 units in the first 48 hours . Having sold over 219 @,@ 000 units in its opening week , " The Way " holds the third best @-@ selling first @-@ week sales figure of 2013 behind Justin Timberlake 's " Suit & Tie " and One Direction 's " Best Song Ever " . The song received a triple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America ( RIAA ) . 
