On Nov. 3, 2018, Ariana Grande released her new single, “thank u, next”. Grande mentions many of her exes in the song — Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, Mac Miller and her most recent who was her fiancé — Pete Davidson.

Grande most recently broke off her engagement with Davidson in a complicated split. She began teasing some of the song’s lyrics the day after Davidson supposedly joked about their breakup on Saturday Night Live.

“thank u, next” reveals Grande’s gratitude to her past experiences in relationships for all that it has taught her as a person. She mentions she has begun seeing someone else, and that person’s name is “Ari”, referring to herself and alluding to self-love and care post-breakup.

Grande has received backlash from numerous haters and critics claiming she is immature for explicitly naming her exes in a song written about them. However, the way she chooses to express herself through her music should be completely up to her.

“thank u, next,” has empowered many. For example according to Spotify, “thank u, next” is #1 on both the U.S. Top 50 and Global Top 50.  

The magnitude of listeners Grande has reached with “thank u, next” only further justifies that many can relate to the ideas presented in the single.

Grande not only sings the catchiest of lyrics but incorporates her powerful message of gratitude, moving on and reflection of past relationships in harmonious melodies and uplifting beats.

Ariana forecasts her future walking down the aisle, singing she “Only wanna do it once”, meaning she only wants to get married once and if something were to happen, at “Least this song is a Smash”.

I couldn’t agree more, Ari.