Ariana Grande released a new song mentioning both Pete Davidson and Mac Miller just 30 minutes before Pete was set to appear on Saturday Night Live.
Ariana’s new song, titled thank u, next, mentions both ex-fiancé Pete and ex-boyfriend Mac by name in the opening verse, making it immediately clear the song is about her past relationships.
Take a listen here:
Thank u, next begins:
Thought I’d end up with Sean
But he wasn’t a match
Wrote some songs about Ricky
Now I listen and laugh
Even almost got married
And for Pete, I’m so thankful
Wish I could say, “Thank you” to Malcolm
‘Cause he was an angel
According to a source who spoke to TMZ, the song is not meant to be a diss track but rather a song about empowerment and what the singer has been through in her different relationships.
The pop star is thought to have tactically released the song shortly before Pete appeared on Saturday Night Live to allow her to have her say on the pair’s relationship and prevent the host from defining it through jokes.
The singer reportedly felt betrayed after Pete used their breakup as part of his comedy routine at a charity show in October, where he opened by saying he ‘didn’t want to be there’.
The comedian went on to say:
There’s a lot going on. Does anybody have any open rooms? Looking for a roommate?
Pete made more jokes referring to himself and Ariana in an SNL promo on Thursday (November 1), where he appeared alongside Maggie Rogers and Jonah Hill.
As part of a routine Pete turned to introduce himself to Maggie, saying:
Hey Maggie, I’m Pete. You wanna get married?
The singer said ‘no’, to which the host responded ‘0-for-three’ – mocking his failed engagement.
25-year-old Ariana didn’t seem to find the joke funny, and responded with a tweet which she later deleted.
Though she didn’t mention her ex-boyfriend in the tweet, her words seemed to be aimed at him as she wrote:
For somebody who claims to hate relevancy u sure love clinging to it huh. thank u. next.
Despite the dig in the tweet, Ariana’s new song appears to have cleared the air and Pete spoke highly of Ariana during Saturday Night Live’s ‘Weekend Update’ segment after thank u, next was released.
He said:
I know some of you are curious about the breakup, but the truth is, it’s nobody’s business. Sometimes things just don’t work out and that’s okay.
She’s a wonderful, strong person and I genuinely wish her all the happiness in the world. Now please go vote on Tuesday, alright?
Fans certainly seem to approve of the new track, with some calling it one of her best tracks to date.
One fan tweeted:
#ThankUNext hands down, one of her best songs. @ArianaGrande I’m so proud of you.
While another wrote:
i love this, the way she has turned all her past relationships into something positive and part of her growth is just so beautiful, i love this woman SO much i’m so proud [sic]
@ArianaGrande #thankunext
Between Pete’s kind words on SNL and Ariana’s song lyrics, it seems like the pair are now on good terms.
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Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.