It’s official: Ariana Grande’s new single “Thank U, Next” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The breakup smash of the century became Grande’s first ever solo No. 1 song, and it’s only fair after her tumultuous year. Despite the tragic and frustrating events of 2018, the pop star channeled her recovery and emotions into universally loved bop about growth, forgiveness, and moving on—and it paid off.
Not only did the simultaneously sweet and empowering track catapult to the No. 1 spot, it made history a few times over. According to Chart Data, “Thank U, Next” is the first song by a woman pop singer to debut at No. 1 since Adele’s “Hello” in 2015. Ari joins Beyoncé, Camila Cabello, and Cardi B to be one of four women with No. 1 hit songs in 2018, but she’s the only one of them who did it solo.
“Thank U, Next “ also joins the exclusive club of “God's Plan,” "Nice For What,” and "This Is America" to become one of four songs whose debut came in at No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart in 2018. She also makes history as the first artist ever to debut lead singles from each of her five albums in the Hot 100's top 10.
The year is almost over, but Grande is keeping this energy. Not only is she getting ready to embark on her Sweetener tour with Normani, she recently dropped the video for “Breathin’”, and is preparing to release a whole new project.
Ari teased a video of herself working in the studio with producer Max Martin over the weekend. It’s not clear when the next album is coming, but it very well be could be before the year is out.
Until then, stream “Thank U, Next,” Sweetener, or since we’re nearing the holidays, there’s her mixtapeChristmas and Chill.
