thank u, next

"Thank U, Next" is a self-empowerment song in which Ariana Grande looks back at some of her past relationships. She expresses gratitude to her exes for having helped her to find herself.

The relationships that Grande references are her ones with: 1. Rapper Big Sean Thought I'd end up with Sean But he wasn't a match The pair started dating in August 2014 and broke up in April 2015 2. Ariana's backup dancer Ricky Alvarez. Wrote some songs about Ricky Now I listen and laugh Ariana is said to have written "Knew Better/Forever Boy" "True Love" and "Moonlight" about Ricky. 3. The late Mac Miller Wish I could say thank you to Malcolm Cause he was an angel Grande's two-year relationship with Malcolm "Mac Miller" McCormick ended in May 2018, four months before his death. 4. Saturday Night Live comedian Pete Davidson Even almost got married And for Pete I'm so thankful Ariana started dating the comedian and actor in May 2018. They got engaged the following month, and the singer penned a love song titled "Pete Davidson" that appeared on her Sweetener album. The pair ended their relationship in October 2018.

The song's release may have been prompted by a promotional clip for the November 3, 2018 episode of Saturday Night Live in which Pete Davidson jokingly proposed to the show's musical guest, singer Maggie Rogers. Grande responded by tweeting "for somebody who claims to hate relevancy you sure love clinging to it huh," followed by "thank u, next." This song was then dropped a half-hour before the Saturday Night Live episode was broadcast.