Ariana Grande explains the meaning behind her 'Thank U, Next' burn book in behind-the-scenes video
'We put all of our past experiences in here'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ariana Grande has explained the upbeat meaning behind her “burn book” in the record-breaking music video for “Thank U, Next”.
The music video spoofs various teenage dramas, with the book being a reference to the movie Mean Girls.
The book is used by Rachel McAdams’s character Regina King and the Plastics write down mean comments about the other girls at their school.
However, Grande’s book has a nicer use, as she explains in the behind-the-scenes video for ”Thank U, Next”.
“We put all of our past experiences in here and we write really nice things about them because, honestly, each person we’ve shared a little part of our self with has contributed to the people we are today and to our growth,” she says.
“[They’ve] probably helped us practice certain activities and get better at certain things, including loving ourselves. So this is a thank you, next book, which is very different from the burn book – so legal, don’t come for me. It’s a thankful book. You should make one.” Watch below.
Grande’s music video – which also spoofs Legally Blonde, Bring It On and 13 Going On 30 – set a YouTube record, reaching one million views in less than 34 minutes – faster than any other video.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments