Ariana Grande - thank u, next

Late 2018 was a moment of profound transformation in pop music, and Ariana Grande reclaimed her narrative in the most spectacular fashion with the visual masterpiece for "thank u, next." Emerging from a tumultuous period marked by personal tragedy and high-profile heartbreak, Grande flipped the standard breakup narrative on its head, delivering a anthem of gratitude and radical self-love.

Directed by Hannah Lux Davis, the video smashed YouTube records by shattering 55 million views within its first 24 hours. It served as a brilliant, cinematic homage to early-2000s teen classics—parodying Mean Girls, Bring It On, 13 Going on 30, and Legally Blonde. Loaded with internet-shattering cameos, including Kris Jenner playing the ultimate "cool mom" and Jennifer Coolidge reprising her beloved role, the video turned pop nostalgia into a massive global event.

Time Capsule 2018: The video perfectly mirrored a year steeped in vibrant pop-culture shifts—a world captivated by the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the record-breaking theatrical run of Black Panther, and the birth of viral TikTok dance trends. Grande didn’t just drop a music video; she defined the zeitgeist of 2018, crafting an unforgettable piece of modern pop history.

• Recent Status: Released her seventh studio album, eternal sunshine, in March 2024, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and spawned No. 1 singles including "yes, and?" and "we can't be friends (wait for your love)."
• Acting Milestones: Starred as Glinda in the major film adaptation of Wicked (released November 2024), receiving critical acclaim and major box office success.
• Tour Details: Currently has no active tour dates announced, having prioritized film productions and recent studio recording projects over live touring.
• Net Worth Insights: Estimated net worth stands between $240 million and $250 million, generated through her music catalog, acting roles, worldwide tours, and her cosmetics brand, r.e.m. beauty.
• Chart Legacy: Holds the record for the most Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 debuts by a female artist, a historic run kicked off by "thank u, next" debuting at No. 1 in 2018.