After taking a few years off from delivering us a much-needed pop bop, Ariana Grande is officially back with a brand new single — “yes, and?”
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First closing out 2023 promising new music with a "See you next year” post, then unbeknownst to us teasing the track with her fashion choice, after being spotted around New York City wearing a black crewneck sweatshirt with white text that read: “yes, and?” Days later Grande officially revealed on IG, that would in fact be the song title of her much needed and anticipated return to music.
24 hours before dropping the track, Ariana took to IG once again with a tease, feeding us a few additional and confusing clues while also intentionally trolling herself in the process.
Starting with the red business card the read “ag7” above the coordinates to South Edison Beach in Montauk, New York on one side, and “YOUR PRESENCE HAS BEEN EXCLUSIVELY REQUESTED,” on the other. Then a few moments ahead of the words “11:55 AM THE CRITICS ARRIVE” appearing on the screen, we hear one critic taking shots at how Grande’s ponytail “used to be a few centimeters higher,” another expressing, “Who cares if she’s happy, I don’t want happy, I want art.” Followed by a third claiming, "I miss the old Ari, you know, the singer,” with the less than 40-second clip leaving us with lots to think about.
Anyway, all that really matters is that Ari’s official return to music and first solo song since 2020 is officially here. While the song was released at midnight, Ari made us wait until 10 AM ET for the “yes, and?” music video — and yes, it was worth it.
With just the right amount of sass and slay, but not over the top, Ari fires back at the recent backlash she’s faced, all to a feel-good, bouncy rhythm and melody, that interpolates Hairspray's "You Can't Stop The Beat." Her lyrics bearing a breezy and positive "I am who I am, you be who you are, and mind your business" message, but of course, in true Ariana fashion, are sprinkled in with some well-placed expletives.
“And if you find yourself in a dark situation / Just turn on your light and be like. 'Yes, and?' / Say that s*** with your chest, and / Be your own f***in’ best friend / Say that s*** with your chest / Keep moving like, 'What's next?' / 'Yes, and?,'” she sings on the pre-chorus and chorus.
Clearly in her dancer era, rocking black and white ballet core, from top to LaDuca’s. For the music video, Ari delivers a demure slay, serving some Paula Abdul “Cold Hearted Snake” and Madonna “Vogue” vibes all over that concrete warehouse. But enough talk, take a look for yourself.
Check out the “yes, and?” music video above and listen to the brand new song all day, on your favorite Audacy Pop stations.