Ariana Grande Releases Much-Anticipated “Thank U, Next” Music Video

On Friday, November 2nd at 2:00 PM CST, Ariana Grande released the music video for her latest single: “Thank U, Next.” The video puts together a creative rendition of iconic movies from the early 2000’s such as “Mean Girls,” “Legally Blonde,” “13 Going On 30” and “Bring It On.”

“Thank U, Next” highlights Grande appreciating her exes — comedian Pete Davidson, dancer Ricky Alvarez, rappers Big Sean and Mac Miller; whilst also moving on and loving herself.

Popular YouTubers Colleen Ballinger, Gabi DeMartino and Troye Sivan make cameo appearances throughout the video, each playing interesting roles.

Matt Bennett, Elizabeth Gillies and Daniella Monet, Ariana’s co-stars from the hit TV show “Victorious,” were spotted in the “Thank U, Next” music video. Bennett was spotted in a scene playing Cliff from “Bring It On,” Gillies playing Regina from “Mean Girls” and Monet playing a member of the Toros from “Bring it On.”

Jonathan Bennett and Stefanie Drummond, who played Aaron and Bethany in “Mean Girls,” made appearances in the video by playing their own characters. Jonathan and Stefanie both referenced quotes from the original 2004 movie. Kris Jenner made a fitting cameo in the “Mean Girls” section of the video as well by playing the “cool mom.”

Jennifer Coolidge, a cast member of “Legally Blonde,” reappears as Elle’s friend, Paulette, in the hilarious salon scene duplicated in the music video.

All the cameos, movie references and creative representation throughout the video contributed to it’s undeniable success. “Thank U, Next” broke the internet and set YouTube records. According to an article from Variety, the video garnered over 55 million views within the first 24 hours of it’s release. This is the highest number of views any YouTube video has ever reached within one day.

Check out the official music video here.