I’ve listened to “thank u, next” over a dozen times. It’s like a friend who listens to you complain for a half an hour, gives you a hug and takes you out for ice cream afterwards. It’s such a cute, catchy song but more than that it represents Ariana Grande smiling and sashaying away from all the drama with Pete Davidson. She is a QUEEN. Ari is back and we love and respect her. Even when she’s making such obvious bad choices in her personal life, she’s still killing it professionally. Ariana was just named Billboard’s Woman of The Year. Previous recipients include Selena Gomez, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift (twice) and Pink. Here’s more about this honor, including quotes from a Billboard VP about the smart way she’s managing her career behind the scenes.
Ariana Grande has been named Billboard’s 2018 Woman of the Year.
The superstar singer, songwriter, actress and activist will be presented with the award Dec. 6 at the 13th annual Women in Music dinner and awards gala in New York. Grande joins a history of icons who have been previously honored as Woman of the Year, including Selena Gomez, Madonna, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift.
“Ariana Grande is a star on her own terms, never bending to any particular musical trend or path in the industry,” says Ross Scarano, Billboard’s vp of content. “Certain in her convictions, she consistently stands up for herself and her decisions in a world that often isn’t hospitable to that sort of strength in young women. She’s got guts, she’s making some of the best music of her career, and she’s absolutely deserving of Woman of the Year.”
They also cite Ariana’s activism including her support of Black Lives Matter and participation in the Women’s March. I’m not a huge fan of pop music, but Ariana’s music is always so GOOD. Have you heard “Get Well Soon” yet? It gives me all the feels. I get goosebumps from the silence at the end for the Manchester victims, which is such a contrast to the lovely complexity of the song. Sweetener has so many excellent tracks it’s like she just leveled up. Anyway I want Ariana to be happy in her personal life and it really sounds like she is now that she dumped Pete. I want to see her at events again by herself too. Hopefully we won’t have to wait until this ceremony in December!
Photos credit: WENN
I think Mac Miller dying made her realize she was rushing with Pete
I don’t think she is shading any of the guys she name checks
its the opposite
She is saying thank you
bc of all that she learned she is now “so amazing”
Its an awesome song
she is really coming into her own.
She has def gone next level
Love her. I’m hoping for some positive change in her life after all of her recent heartaches.
Her songs always remind me of that episode of 30 Rock where Jenna sings on a yacht and Cerie says “is that actually a song?”
Like I just don’t get her music at all…but I love her!
You should give her another try! Honestly, all of her albums have done pretty well with the critics and Sweetener (most recent one) is universally critically acclaimed. I appreciate the way that she doesn’t really follow trends in pop music. All of her lead singles have been really divergent from what was popular at the time (“The Way,” “Problem”, “Dangerous Woman”, “No Tears Left to Cry”…). Enunciation issues aside, I also really appreciate the versatility of her voice. She can go from full-on diva, complete with the Mariah-esque head whistle, to more chill and subdued at the drop of a hat.
Never heard any of her songs and probably never will. I didn’t think she was all that to get WOTY? Meh, not my demographic. Thankfully.
Hmmm if you’ve been out anywhere, you’ve heard them. Probably didn’t know it was her.
Her music is sooooo good!! well deserved!
I watched her perform on Ellen and the way she just ran into the crowd after made me wanna hug her. Like I felt proud of her. I know that feeling of when you feel like you get control back of your life and that fog is lifted. Aw. Go Ari
That performance was awesome, from its First Wives Club references to the way that Grande said “Oh my God!” when she almost fell off that chair, and then laughed her way through the next lyric. Adorbs!!!!!!!!!!! And a great song.
Proud of this little munchkin. She gets a lot of flak from white commenters on E! News and Us WEekly on insta. She’s growing in front of us and has become a better person!