Ariana Grande: Everything you need to know about her album 'thank u, next'
It came out in Feb 2019!
After releasing her album 'Sweetener' in August 2018, Ariana Grande dropped her follow-up 'thank u, next' just six months later! Released in February 2019, Ari's fifth record features hit after hit like '7 rings', 'break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored' and the title track.
The album was an instant favourite among fans, going straight to Number 1 in the UK as well as hitting the top spot in nearly 20 other countries - and with an upcoming eighth album to look forward to, fans can't wait to hear what Ari will deliver next!
When did 'thank u, next' come out?
The album was released on 8th February 2019 and Arianators were quick to share their views, with one tweeting: 'u keep outdoing yourself everytime. it’s insane. this era has already born so special and memorable to so many people. all the love n kindness u keep spreadin everyday is about to go back to you with this project. so deservely, btw. 🖤🌬🌫 happy thank u, next day !' sic.
What is the tracklist?
Ariana Grande's 'thank u, next' songs appeared on the album as follows:
1) 'Imagine'
2) 'Needy'
3) 'NASA'
4) 'Bloodline'
5) 'Fake Smile'
6) 'Bad Idea'
7) 'Make Up'
8) 'Ghostin'
9) 'In My Head'
10) '7 Rings'
11) 'Thank U, Next'
12) 'Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored'
How many streams does the album have?
'thank u, next' set a new record within its first week of release for the most album streams ever by a female artist, with a whopping 59 million streams across the 12 tracks resulting in an equivalent of 65,000 album sales.
It's hard to keep track of how many streams the album currently has, but as of February 2026, the title track has nearly 2 billion listens on Spotify alone. WOW.
Who wrote 'thank u, next'?
Ari worked with a whole host of songwriters to compose the songs for the album. After the release of 'Sweetener' in August 2018, she started thinking about a follow-up almost immediately as she prepared to tour the album.
However, following the death of her ex-boyfriend and close friend Mac Miller in September 2018, Ariana took a hiatus to deal with her grief and began recording the album a couple of months later - but the loss did influence the people she decided to work with on the record.
She brought in Max Martin and Ilya Salmanzadeh among others to work with on the album, as well as singer Victoria Monét - who co-wrote 'Needy', 'NASA', 'Make Up', 'Ghostin', '7 rings' and 'thank u, next' - plus bonus track 'Monopoly'.
Of course, we know that '7 rings' pays homage to 'My Favourite Things' from The Sound of Music, so composers Rodgers and Hammerstein also received a credit.
Ari has spoken out since the release of the album about track 'Ghostin', explaining that she found it immensely difficult to write that track, and pleaded with then-manager Scooter Braun not to include it on the album.
Did the album win any awards?
Although she didn't pick up any gongs for 'thank u, next' the album, it was nominated for a People's Choice Award, an American Music Award and two GRAMMYs. In May 2026, it was certified 2x Platinum by the BPI to signify sales of 600,000 sales or more.
Did Ariana tour 'thank u, next'?
She certainly did. Given the close proximity of 'thank u, next' the album to her previous record 'Sweetener', which was released only six month later, Ari decided to tour the two albums together under the banner of the 'Sweetener World Tour'.
The tour was a particularly poignant one for Ariana, as it was the first world tour she'd embarked on since the devastating attack in Manchester at her show in May 2017, where 22 people sadly lost their lives.
Support acts for the tour included Normani, formerly of Fifth Harmony; Social House and Ella Mai. Ari began the tour in March 2019 and performed 101 shows through to December 2019, with an approximate attendance of 1.3 million people.
Album artwork for 'thank u, next'
The album cover features Ari laying upside down with the album's title painted on her neck. It was photographed by Alfredo Flores who created Ari's 'Dangerous Woman Diaries' docuseries in 2018.
Scroll through to see Ariana's career timeline:
Early life
Ariana was born in Florida in 1993 to CEO Joan Grande and company owner Edward Butera, who had recently moved the family from New York to the sunshine state. As a child growing up in Florida, she enjoyed taking part in school plays. Ariana then moved to New York as a young teenager, and in 2008 she starred in the Broadway musical 13.
2010 - 2013: Victorious
She then moved onto a Nickleodeon TV series called Victorious, where she played the role of Cat Valentine. Following four seasons on Victorious she then starred in two seasons of the spin-off series Sam & Cat before taking roles other TV and theatre roles.
2011: 'Give It Up'
Her move towards music started in 2011 when she featured on the 'Music from Victorious' album singing 'Give It Up' with her co-star Elizabeth Gillies.
2013: Debut album 'Yours Truly'
In 2013, the singer released her debut album, 'Yours Truly', which she described as a "throwback" to the R&B music of the 1990s. The first single released from her album was 'The Way' and featured her former boyfriend Mac Miller.
2014: 'Problem' and 'Bang Bang'
It wasn't until 2014 and the single 'Problem' that Ariana Grande saw chart success in the UK. The music video for the song, featuring Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, won Best Pop Video at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards and has now been viewed more than 1 billion times on YouTube.
Following 'Problem' Ariana had a number of Top 10 hits in the UK, including 'Bang Bang' with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj in 2014, working with Nicki once again on 'Side to Side'. She also saw huge success with 'One Last Time', which appeared on her second album 'My Everything', released in August 2014. In May 2024, the song was certified 4x Platinum by the BPI - translating to over 2.4 MILLION sales in the UK alone.
2016: 'Dangerous Woman'
Ariana embarked on her biggest tour to date - the 'Dangerous Woman Tour' supporting her third album 'Dangerous Woman'. Devastatingly, her show at Manchester Arena on 22nd May 2017 ended with a horrific tragedy when a bomb killed 22 people and injured many others.
Following the terrible events of that night, messages of support for those affected poured in from around the world, including many from pop stars and celebrities.
Ariana, along with her team, worked quickly to put on a show that would bring everyone together at such a difficult time. Less than two weeks after the attack, the One Love Manchester benefit concert took place, with a line-up that included Katy Perry, Little Mix, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber and many more artists - as well as Ariana herself.
2018: 'Sweetener'
Ariana understandably took some time off during 2017, but returned in August 2018 with her 'Sweetener' album which peaked at Number 1 in the UK and US, as well as many other countries around the world. It catalogued her dealing with everything she'd been through, as well as her relationship with Pete Davidson, which ended in October 2018.
2018: 'thank u, next'
Ariana suffered yet more loss in 2018 when her ex-boyfriend and close friend Mac Miller passed away. She paid tribute to him in beautiful Instagram posts, and even referenced him as an "angel" in her song 'thank u, next' - which practically broke the Internet with its incredible music video, taking inspiration from many iconic 90s and 00s teen films like Mean Girls.
The song was featured on the album of the same name which was released in February 2019, topping the charts all over the world.
2019: Honoured with a waxwork and co-executive produced the Charlie's Angels soundtrack
Ariana's waxwork at Madame Tussaud's was unveiled on 21st May 2019 for an exclusive five-week residency starting on Friday 24th May. The final design of Ariana was chosen by fans, and Steve Davies, General Manager at Madame Tussauds London, said: "There is no doubt about it – Ariana Grande is one of the biggest female pop-superstars in the world right now and rightfully deserves this residency at Madame Tussauds London.
"Fans have been asking that Ariana's figure join our A List line up for some time and we loved working with them to decide the star's outfit. Much like the lady herself, Ariana's figure will be making her London appearance for a limited time only so Arianators should be quick to grab a chance to 'meet' their idol!"
Ariana also co-executive produced the soundtrack to the 2019 reboot of Charlie's Angels, singing the title track 'Don't Call Me Angel' with Miley Cyrus and Lana Del Rey.
2019: Ariana spent the day at NASA HQ
In a series of Instagram Stories, the 'One Last Time' singer revealed she'd been spending some time at NASA HQ, trying on a spacesuit and taking a ride in a rover in May 2019! Ariana captioned one of her Stories: 'Thank you for the coolest day of my life @nasa'. NASA's Johnson Space Centre share a picture on Twitter (now X) writing: 'We heard you needed space, @ArianaGrande, and we're glad we could share some with you! 💫 Thanks for stopping by to learn more about what it's like to be an astronaut and our #Moon2024 plans! 👩🚀🌙.'
2020: Ariana took part in the Disney Family Singalong
Ari took part in the Disney Family Singalong during lockdown in April 2020, singing 'I Won't Say I'm In Love' from Hercules - sparking calls for her to play the role of Meg in the upcoming Disney live-action remake of the 1997 animated original.
2020: Ariana released her sixth album 'positions'
Ariana announced in October 2020 that her sixth album would be released that month! Ari then released her sixth album 'positions' just two weeks later on Friday 30th October 2020 - and fans were over the moon!
In 2021, Ariana released a remix of her track '34+35' that featured on her album 'positions'. The track, '34+35 Remix', featured huge names Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion and was a massive hit with fans. Later that year, Ariana returned the favour to Doja Cat, featuring on 'I Don't Do Drugs' from Doja's third album 'Planet Her'.
2021: Ariana Grande announced for new Wicked film
Ariana Grande was announced as Glinda in the film adaptation of Wicked, which also stars Cynthia Erivo. Ariana has been a fan of Wicked for many years, even taking part in an NBC special called A Very Wicked Halloween, to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the musical.
Ariana also starred in the Netflix comedy drama Don't Look Up, written and directed by Academy Award winner Adam McKay. Ariana plays world-famous musician Riley Bina, who performs a song. According to Adam, the singer improvised some of the song which he immediately thought: "Oh, that's going in the movie".
Don't Look Up also starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence as astronomers who try to convince the world that there is a comet threatening to wipe out life on Earth.
In March 2021, Ariana was announced to be joining the judging panel for The Voice US! She replaced Nick Jonas on the panel and sat alongside Kelly Clarkson, John Legend and Blake Shelton when the show returned in September 2021.
2021: Ariana Grande released her r.e.m. beauty make-up range
In September 2021, Ariana Grande announced that she would be launching her own beauty brand called r.e.m. beauty. The make-up range was then launched in November 2021 and was described on the website as: 'r.e.m. beauty was created to empower you with the tools you need to bring your most vivid, limitless, and creative dreams to life. 'Our products blend otherworldly ideas with real world innovation to inspire you to explore what creativity means to you.'
2022: Ariana Grande released Chapter 2 of her r.e.m. beauty make-up range
In March 2022, Ariana released Chapter 2 of her r.e.m. beauty make-up range. The singer shared a number of photos on her social media along with a promotional video. In May, Ari shared a video on r.e.m. beauty's official YouTube, where she lead a makeup tutorial using products from both Chapters.
Then, on 14th December 2022, the exciting news was announced that Ariana Grande would be returning to the RuPaul's Drag Race judging panel! Both the show's official socials, and Ariana herself, confirmed the exciting news, revealing that she would be making her Ru-turn as a guest judge for season 15, which aired in January 2023.
2023: First look at Ariana in Wicked and r.e.m. beauty voted Best Celebrity Beauty Brand
On 16th April 2023, fans got their first look at Ariana in the Wicked movie! Sharing two posts, we also got to see Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. You can see the first look images and everything else there is to know about the Wicked films here.
Then, in September 2023, Ariana's make-up brand r.e.m. beauty was awarded the Cosmopolitan Reader's Choice Award for the Best Celebrity Beauty Brand! Just two years after the brand's official launch, and shortly after it launching its first Sweetener foundation - a 60-shade skin care-infused range - Ari celebrated the win on Instagram, writing: 'thank you @cosmopolitan readers for voting for @r.e.m.beauty ! we are so grateful (and we feel like we're just getting started) 🥲♡'. (sic)
2024: Ariana released seventh album 'Eternal Sunshine'
Ariana dropped her first solo music in three years on 12th January 2024, an epic new single called 'yes, and?' which later appeared on her seventh album, 'Eternal Sunshine'. The song was an instant hit, flying to the Number 1 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100, and bagging the Number 2 spot in the UK Chart. Just one month after the vogue-like music video premiered on YouTube, it amassed over an impressive 40 million views.
On 16th February 2024, Ariana released a remixed version of her hit 'yes, and ?' with Mariah Carey! Citing the global superstar as the 'queen of my heart and lifelong inspiration', Ariana thanks Mariah for 'sprinkling your brilliance and magic on my little song'. The 'yes, and ?' remix was released alongside an accompanying lyric video of Ariana's YouTube channel.
In January 2024, Ariana Grande also delighted fans by announcing her highly-anticipated seventh album, 'Eternal Sunshine', which was released on 8th March 2024. Containing tracks like 'yes, and?', 'the boy is mine' and 'imperfect for you', it was an instant hit with fans who loved how raw yet uplifting the record is. It scored a Number 1 in both the UK and the US, plus plenty of other countries around the world.
In September 2024, The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the album Platinum, and a year later in September 2025, the album was certified Platinum by the BPI for 600,000 sales in the UK!
2024: Ariana teased an 'Eternal Sunshine' tour and released live album
In between all of her other projects, Ari teased in July 2024 that she'd love to perform her 'Eternal Sunshine' album - but not as one of her typical tours: "It's definitely, for a multitude of reasons, not going to be a tour in the way I used to tour. It'd be a mini little sampling of shows. I do think it'd be really nice to do that. It's something that me and my team are working on."
On 1st October 2024, Ariana delighted fans with the drop of a brand new live album, in celebration of seven months since the release of her seventh album 'Eternal Sunshine'. Announcing the album - 'Eternal Sunshine Slightly Deluxe and Also Live' - on her socials, Ari gushed that she wanted to 'surprise you all with one more Eternal Sunshine related something' before she focuses her attention on the release of the Wicked movie. The album contains seven live tracks from the original album - 'Intro (End of The World)', 'Eternal Sunshine', 'Don't Wanna Break Up Again', 'Supernatural', 'Yes, And?', 'We Can't Be Friends' and 'Imperfect For You'.
Ariana wrote: '｡˚wanted to surprise you all with one more Eternal Sunshine related something before i head back into my bubble and meet you over the rainbow next month… so i performed seven songs (from ag7) with this wonderful group of musicians, in celebration of seven months of Eternal Sunshine. Eternal Sunshine Slightly Deluxe and Also Live is now available. ·ꕤ.ﾟꕤ'. (sic)
Ariana recorded the live performances alongside the talented musicians, adding: 'the videos will be coming out one at a time, each day this week. Peaches says thank you for all of your love and that she cannot wait to see you again later.' (sic)
2024: r.e.m. beauty X Wicked make-up collection
Just a week after the incredible official trailer for the Wicked movie dropped, Ariana upped the excitement as she teased her cosmetic brand r.e.m. beauty would launching a new collection inspired by the movie.
Sharing an image of the collection's packaging, which looked like a book with Wicked-inspired imagery, fans could see the r.e.m. beauty branding alongside the Wicked movie's. Despite not divulging any further details, it's fair to say the post got fans extremely excited.
2025: Nominated for an Oscar, released deluxe album and film.
In January 2025, Ari received the news she'd been nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in Wicked at the 97th Academy Awards. Wicked was also nominated for Best Picture, at the awards which took place on 3rd March 2025 — while castmate, Cynthia Erivo, secured a nomination for Actress in a Leading Role. Unfortunately they both came home empty-handed.
Ariana Grande also released the deluxe version of her 'Eternal Sunshine' album, along with the short film called Brighter Days Ahead on 28th March 2025. The film followed Peaches (played by Ariana) 70 years after we last saw her.
The synopsis read: 'Now, she finds herself once again in the waiting room of Brighter Days Inc., but this time for a very different appointment. The company now offers advanced memory restoration, allowing her to revisit a curated selection of moments from her life—both cherished and painful.'
2026: Ariana Grande released eighth album 'petal'
Ariana released her eighth album 'petal' in July 2026, preceded by the lead single 'hate that i made you love me', released on 29th May. There are 12 songs on the album, which was certified Silver on 21st August, meaning it's sold more than 60,000 units.
2026: Ariana brought her 'The Eternal Sunshine Tour' to the UK
In August 2025, Ariana announced she would be going on 'The Eternal Sunshine Tour', including 10 dates in the UK. The singer performed in August and September 2026, wowing fans with more than 25 songs in her setlist. The singer told fans: "I just wanted to say, 'thank you so much'. This has been an extraordinary experience. Thank you for 10 beautiful London shows and for 41 incredible Eternal Sunshine tour shows. This has been one of the most beautiful extraordinary experiences of my life and I just wanted to express my gratitude without sobbing completely. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has been so special. I'll cherish this experience always.
"I have the best fans in the entire world and I always have. I love your outfits, I love your faces, I love seeing you. Thank you for all of your effort and continuing to make this so special. I have loved every minute of this with you all and I just wanted to make sure I express how grateful I am. Thank you and I love you so much."
You can hear Ariana's biggest hits on the KISS playlist!
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