Only an idiot would argue against the inclusion of Thank U, Nextamong the best albums of 2019 (so far), owing much to the inspired energy of its brief conception period and the universality of its lyrical glimpses at how Ariana Grande's life has changed in the wake of a series of defining moments.
In a new Vogue cover feature consisting of a Rob Haskell-helmed interview and reliably great photography from Annie Leibovitz, Grande spoke on how those moments—namely, the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing and the 2018 death of Mac Miller—affected her, while also pushing back against any proposed narrative that attempts to set her up as the focus of these tragedies.
While the songs at the center of her current era can still qualify as "fun . . . pop music," Grande noted early in the cover story interview that they simultaneously represent "some heavy shit" she's experienced. When the topic of performing at Coachella is broached, for example, Grande explained how the gathering reminded her of Miller.
"I was always a person who never went to festivals and never went out and had fun like that," she said. "But the first time I went was to see Malcolm perform, and it was such an incredible experience. I went the second year as well, and I associate...heavily...it was just kind of a mindfuck, processing how much has happened in such a brief period."
Unfairly, Miller's 2018 death was followed by disgusting attempts from some at blaming Grande, a hurtful effort Grande’s previously criticized on Twitter. Speaking with Vogue, she went further, explaining how an outsider's view of such a situation is never complete.
"They didn't see the years of work and fighting and trying, or the love and exhaustion," she said. "That tweet came from a place of complete defeat, and you have no idea how many times I warned him that that would happen and fought that fight, for how many years of our friendship, of our relationship. You have no idea so you're not allowed to pull that card, because you don't fucking know. That's where that came from."
Part of the "all-consuming" grief associated with Miller's death, Grande said, was that he "didn't deserve" the struggles he faced. "By no means was what we had perfect, but, like, fuck," she said. "He was the best person ever, and he didn't deserve the demons he had. I was the glue for such a long time, and I found myself becoming . . . less and less sticky."
The full feature is very much worth your time and also sees Grande discussing Thank U, Next's status as a moment of personal "self-realization" and healing, how getting a drag tribute is "better than winning a Grammy," the powerful legacy of Judy Garland, her relationship with her fans, and much more. Pharrell Williams, Miley Cyrus, and Patti LaBelle also offered up some words of praise for Grande.
Read all of it here, then catch the Vogue-premiered new video for "In My Head" above.
