Pop singer Ariana Grande released her fifth album, Thank U, Next, on February 8th.  The album is forecasted to top the Billboard 200 charts.

  In October, just six months after the release of her album Sweetener, which was released in August of 2018, the singer began to create her next album.  Thank U, Next was made in the midst of a series of hardships for Grande.  During this time, Grande experienced the death of her ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller, as well as breaking up with her fiancé, Pete Davidson.

  In an interview with Zack Sang, Grande said, “I understand to a lot of people I’m not a real person… But at the end of the day, these are people and relationships. It’s real [expletive] to me.”

  However, despite loss and hardship, the title track of the album was released on November 3rd, 2018.  Thank U, Next provided a glimpse into the singer’s life; the song paid tribute to Grande’s past relationships, including both Miller and Davidson by name.  Though Grande sings about hurtful experiences, the song is uplifting and positive, expressing gratitude to her exes while ending with a hopeful tone and a new beginning.

  Nancy Zeeb (9), a fan of Grande, said that, “She [Grande] does not let the media drag her down and paint a false picture of her… [She is] implementing this aspect in her songs, defining herself and not letting others do it for her.”

  The next single, “7 Rings,” was released on January 18th, followed by “Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored” on February 8th.

  With Thank U, Next released on February 12th, it was praised by fans and critics alike.

  Keertana Panyam (9), a student who enjoys Grande’s music, said, “[Thank U, Next] does not showcase her range that well, but it has a really nice sound and aesthetic that suits her [Grande] and shows the maturity in her voice.”

  Grande is the first artist since the Beatles to have all top three positions on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.  With her three singles, the pop singer made history.

  Thank U, Next is predicted to land at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 charts.  The album could be Grande’s fourth to be No. 1, following My Everything in 2014 and Yours Truly in 2013.