Leave it to Ariana Grande to write the next biggest breakup track after her split with ex-fiancé Pete Davidson. I kind of wish I was armed with this song a few years ago.
With a turbulent year behind her, Ariana Grande’s ‘Thank u, next’ music video has shown that nothing and no one can stop her or get in her way.
The video which came out Friday, November the 20th, pays tribute to ‘Mean Girls’, ‘Legally Blonde’, ‘Bring It On’ and ‘13 Going on 30’. You will even spot some of the original cast members as well as a hilarious cameo starring Kris Jenner (Kardashian’s mum).
The video begins with a ‘Mean Girls’ inspired clip of people talking about Grande, just like in the original film where they talk about Regina George. YouTube phenomena Colleen Ballinger whose alter ego is Miranda Sings says, “I heard Ariana was pregnant so I got pregnant so we could be pregnant at the same time. Turns out it was just a rumour.” The five-minute video carries on with Grande in a range of scenarios and outfits, even changing her usual high ponytail to a new sun-kissed blonde look.
The video has amassed over 72 million views since release, proving music videos are still current and trendy. Recently there has been a surge in music videos being portrayed into short storylines, for example, Camila Cabello’s ‘Havana’ and Kehlani and Hayley Kiyoko’s ‘What I Need’. It definitely allows for the artist and contributors to evolve their creative flair and address issues that are not completely direct to what they are singing about.
I know for a fact I have spent many hours surfing through YouTube watching music videos; it is an aesthetically pleasing aspect which many of us love to consume. Even if the song is not great but the video is, there has to be something said for the time and effort artists spend on perfecting their art. Music videos are not limited to boundaries like that of a film or TV series which is what makes it inherently important. In my eyes, Grande is fast becoming a household name and an empowering woman we should be watching out for and looking to as a role model.
By Abi Trünk