Ariana Grande debuted at #1 with “Thank U, Next”

Thank U, Next Ariana Grande

Writer(s): Ariana Grande, Charles Anderson, Michael Foster, Tayla Parx, Tommy Brown, Victoria McCants (see lyrics here) Released: November 3, 2018 First Charted: November 17, 2018 Peak: 17 US, 11 RR, 12 DG, 17 ST, 22 AC, 7 A40, 16 UK, 18 CN, 16 AU, 16 DF (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): 5.0 US, 1.2 UK, 8.09 world (includes US + UK) Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 1218.0 video, 1718.67 streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: “Thank U, Next” was the lead single and title track from Ariana Grande’s fifth studio album. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It hit #1 in fourteen other countries as well. It was her first chart-topper in the U.S. after she’d previously peaked at #2 with “Problem” in 2014. The pop and R&B song is Grande’s reflection on past relationships, specifically with Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, Pete Davidson, and Mac Miller. Rather than being a vengeful attack, “she expresses gratitude to her exes for having helped her to find herself.” SF She explained that the song was about a new chapter in her life which encompasses “gratitude, growth, embracing our paths bumps n’ all.” SF Taylor Parx, one of the song’s co-writers, said the song was inspired by Jane Fonda in Five Acts, an HBO documentary which had a chapter for each man she’d been with and “Jane” as the final chapter. SF The song was praised for its catchiness and positive message. Digital Journal’s Markos Papadatos called it an “ode to gratitude, an anthem to a fresh start and new beginnings, where she is not afraid to be raw and vulnerable.” WK Pitchfork’s Quinn Moreland commended Grande for finding “the value in letting go” instead of stirring “the pot about her recent breakup.” WK Rolling Stone’s Brittany Spanos said the song is “about wanting to better yourself.” WK The video pays homage to movies Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, Bring It On, and 13 Going on 30. It became the most-watched video in a 24-hour period on YouTube with more than 55 million views. WK It also broke the record for most simultaneous streams (829,000) when it debuted. SF “Thank U, Next” was nominated for MTV Video of the Year. Resources: SF Songfacts WK Wikipedia Related Links: First posted 4/1/2021; last updated 7/22/2023.