Ariana Grande Speaks About Unexpected Decision To Drop New Album Amidst Strike Struggles
In a twist that has left fans buzzing, Ariana Grande, the chart-topping songstress announced the upcoming release of her seventh studio album, Eternal Sunshine, slated to hit shelves on March 8. What makes this announcement particularly intriguing is the singer’s initial reluctance to dive back into the music scene amidst industry-wide strikes.
During an interview on the Zach Sang Show, Ariana opened up about her unexpected journey towards creating new music. Initially hesitant and with no concrete plans for a new record, she found herself swept up in a wave of inspiration when the strike hit.
“I did not plan to [make new music now],” she confessed. “I didn’t have the goal to make an album. I actually was really opposed to coming out with music until after Wicked, either both parts or just one part. I wasn’t sure how I would feel.”
However, fate had other plans in store. With production on Wicked halted due to strikes, Ariana found herself in New York City, where she seized the opportunity to collaborate with producer Max Martin.
“It all just kind of started pouring out and after our first week together I kept coming to the studio every day by myself, and it just kinda kept organically happening that way, so I just decided to react and listen to that and I thought maybe it should come out if it’s coming out of me this way. Maybe it should be shared this way,” she shared.
It was this surge of inspiration amidst uncertain times that ultimately led Ariana to make the decision to share her music with the world.
Eternal Sunshine marks Ariana’s triumphant return to the music scene after a hiatus of three-and-a-half years since her last album, Positions. Reflecting on her journey, she shared how the challenges she faced during the strike period propelled her towards personal and artistic growth.
“I kind of healed a lot of parts of myself alongside and through her and it actually helped me heal a lot of my own personal weird stuff that I had with my relationship to music and to being an artist. It all happened absolutely how it was meant to be,” she stated.
With the release of the album’s first single, Yes, And? in January, the thank u, next singer offers a glimpse into her inner world, addressing public scrutiny and personal struggles with raw honesty and vulnerability. Despite the uncertainty surrounding touring plans, she remains optimistic about the future, expressing her eagerness to reconnect with her fans onstage when the time is right.
In her words, “I would love to do shows. I love being onstage, I miss being onstage, I miss my fans so much. I had a really hard time emotionally on my last tour but I think that’s because of where I was at. So just like with music, I think I’m really excited to redefine my relationship to shows when I’m ready and see what that looks like.”
