Ariana Grande celebrates first anniversary of 'thank u, next' with emotional post
She's reflected on the 'wild' year
Ariana Grande has opened up about how her life has changed in the last 12 months since she released 'thank u, next'. The incredible single was a smash hit all over the world, in part thanks to the iconic music video which featured Ariana in different scenarios all inspired by cult films.
Taking inspiration from films released in the 90s and 00s, Ariana referenced Mean Girls, 13 Going On 30, Legally Blonde and Bring It On, amongst others, as well as getting cameos from stars of those films, too.
Ariana has now taken to social media to celebrate the anniversary of the song's release (3rd Nov), reflecting on an 'emotional' year. She wrote on Twitter, 'happy birthday ‘thank u, next’. i can’t believe i’ve spent more time alone this year than i have in my life, i can’t believe how many sessions w my therapist i’ve had, how many times i’ve sung this song, how much i’ve learned and healed, how much i still have to learn and heal!
'it’s been one hall of a productive, emotional, wild and yet ... happy! year. thankful for my babies who have provided me with endless strength, energy and inspiration... and to my friends who have held me together on the road and at home. i’m sure they’re just as exhausted.' sic
She added, 'anyway, not sure why this anniversary has made me ramble on so much but .... my heart feels good. even though everything is up in the air / i still have a million questions ... i’ve accepted it and feel somewhat whole and that feels like something worth sharing. i guess. love u.' sic
Scroll through to see which of Ariana Grande's exes she's talking about on 'thank u, next'...
Ariana Grande and Graham Phillips (2008-2011)
Ariana and Graham met at 15 years old when they were both starring in the Broadway production of 13: The Musical. They dated for three years and released a song called Stick Around together in 2010. Ari continued the trend of duetting with partners later in her career, but more on that later.
Is he on thank u, next? Nah, mate.
Ariana Grande and Jai Brooks (2012-2014)
Ariana dated Jai Brooks - a member of Australian prank-pop band The Janoskians - between 2012 and 2014. Things didn't end on good terms, though; as Jai accused Ariana of cheating on him with The Wanted's Nathan Sykes very publicly on Twitter. Ariana denied the claims, before the pair briefly got back together for a couple of months in 2014.
Is he on thank u, next? Nope.
Ariana Grande and Nathan Sykes (2014)
Following that Jai Brooks drama, Ari and Nathan got together as they collaborated on the track Almost is Never Enough; taken from her debut album. The pair split just months later, with many reports claiming Ari wrote Break Your Heart Right Back about the split.
The pair are still on good terms and released a second duet - Over and Over Again - in 2016.
Is he on thank u, next? No, but he's fine with it. In an interview with TMZ Nathan explained it's 'good' he didn't get a mention, whatever that means.
Ariana Grande and Big Sean (2014-2015)
Ariana and Big Sean made their public debut on the GRAMMY red carpet in 2015. Much like Nathan and Ari, the pair have two duets together; 2013's Right There and 2014's Best Mistake. The couple reportedly split due to busy schedules, but they remain 'good friends' and Ari confirmed he heard thank u, next ahead of its release.
Is he on thank u, next? Yep, the opening line 'thought I'd end up with Sean, but it wasn't a match' is about him.
Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez (2015-2016)
Following her split from Big Sean Ariana dated one of her dancers, Ricky Alvarez, for a year. He's the guy she's hanging out with in that infamous doughnut shop video, remember? Neither party have explained the cause of the split, but they remain on good terms.
Is he on thank u, next? Yup. The line 'wrote some songs about Ricky, now I listen and laugh' refers to many tracks on her 2016 album Dangerous Woman; including Knew Better/Forever Boy. He's cool with it, though; taking to his Instagram story to praise both Ariana and the track.
Ariana Grande and Mac Miller (2016-2018)
Ariana dated the late Mac Miller (real name Malcolm McCormick) from 2016-2018. The pair originally collaborated on her debut single The Way back in 2013 and released another track - My Favourite Part - in 2016. Mac famously supported Ariana at her One Love Manchester concert in 2017 following the Manchester Arena terror attack and split earlier this year after she debuted No Tears Left to Cry at Coachella.
Mac tragically passed away on 7th September 2018, and Ariana has since paid tribute to the rapper.
Is he on thank u, next? Ariana describes Mac as an 'angel' on the track in a fitting tribute to the late star.
Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson (2018)
Ariana and SNL comedian Pete Davidson proved the whirlwind romance of 2018. Just weeks after getting together, the pair announced their engagement in June 2018. The pair split in October 2018 but remain on good terms.
Pete addressed their break-up on SNL, saying: "The truth is, it's nobody's business. Sometimes things just don't work out. She's a wonderful strong person and I wish her all the happiness in the world."
Is he on thank u, next? Yep. 'Even almost got married, and for Pete I'm so thankful' is obviously about their whirlwind romance.
Herself. YAAAS.
In thank u, next Ariana serves some unapologetic feminism as she claims she's now in a relationship with herself. YAS, queen.
This comes after Ariana joined up with Miley Cyrus and Lana Del Rey for the soundtrack of the new Charlie's Angels film, 'Don’t Call Me Angel'. She's also featured on a remix of 'Good As Hell' by Lizzo.
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