Why Grande’s “thank u, next” Marks a New Generation of Bad Bitches
With cuffing season and the winter blues creeping in along with the cold weather, it may be easy to spiral into feelings of loneliness and darkness. However, with new girl anthem “thank u, next” by Ariana Grande also peaking in popularity, you’ll rediscover your inner bad bitch.
Ariana Grande has had a hell of a year. With the Manchester shootings, an engagement and then calling it off, and Mac Miller’s death, she has been through a rollercoaster of emotions. Her new song is an anthem celebrating herself and all the shit she’s been through. And honestly, it’s time we do too.
On November 12, Grande appeared on Ellen performing the song. With the YouTube video racking up almost 10 million views, the star appears tripping and laughing during the performance and then later choking up over the emotion of the song.
Recently, Ariana has been filming her widely anticipated and super-hyped music video for her new single. She has been posting teasers for the video on Instagram, and has been showing off her iconic teen movie recreations, which include scenes from Bring It On, Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, and 13 Going on 30.
The lyrics—rather than dwelling on the heartbreak she dealt with in the past—embrace both her triumphs and failures, highlight how her losses let her find herself, and what those experiences taught her. After breakups, it’s easy to lose yourself. It’s easy to dwell on the sadness of losing someone. But the song is an upbeat and lighthearted song for girls who are trying to move on. The song instills an important message in her audience.
Pete Davidson, Ariana Grande’s ex-fiance, said on SNL after the song’s release, “I know some of you are curious about the breakup, but the truth is, it’s nobody’s business. Sometimes things just don’t work out and that’s okay. She’s a wonderful, strong person and I genuinely wish her all the happiness in the world. Now please go vote on Tuesday, alright?”
While “thank u, next” may seem like just another hit single that’ll fade from popularity in time, it depicts a long-lasting, newfound era of girls—girls who encourage self-growth and let heartbreak better them. She promotes forgiveness with some attitude by speaking on her gratefulness, as she sings, “I’m so fuckin’ grateful for my ex.” In a world that portrays being cold and hating your ex as normal, it’s refreshing to see a more unbothered and hopeful approach to breakups. The public has obviously resonated with this message of gratitude, clearly shown by the song’s popularity.
With Grande’s song echoing themes of self-love and growth, maybe it’s time for us to reevaluate in what ways art imitates life, and how we can channel Ariana’s inner boss bitch when we’re feeling down.