Grande release claps back at intrusive reach of social media
Although Arianna Grande is preparing to shower fans in Eternal Sunshine with her upcoming studio album, The first ray’s actually hit on January 12, 2024 with her single “yes and?”. Shockingly, this prompted retreat into obscure darkness, contrary to the album’s warm promise. Grande’s personal life has cast shadows on the tune as the media would rather judge morality than appreciate actual talent.
In October 2023, only two years after tying the knot, Grande filed for divorce with Dalton Gomez. Sources claim the pair mutually separated in the previous January, and seeds of friendship bloomed from the respect and admiration they still shared.
While distance supposedly makes the heart grow fonder, the stretch between England and Los Angeles cast strain on Grande’s marriage. While the actress was away to film the upcoming Wicked movie, Gomez was tied to his real estate agency in Los Angeles. Their two demanding careers begged different needs, and the former couple both had dedication to divergent occupations.
While the physical distance is easy to blame for the separation, the pair’s friends and family have expressed concern earlier in the relationship, viewing their romance as a whirlwind. After a spontaneous marriage, the two seemed bound to spin out.
Having been a subject in the public eye since the ripe age of 15, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that Grande’s divorce baited the media to digest the juicy, let limited details. However, the situation gets spicier: Wicked co-star, Ethan Slater (The Spongebob Musical: Live on Stage!) divorced his wife, Lilly Jay, after merely a decade, including four years of marriage and a shared son. Their baby boy was only eleven months old when Slater filed for divorce in July. This action was taken only shortly after word got out about his blossoming relationship with co-star Grande. This left an extremely bitter taste in observers’ mouths.
While the “yes and?” outwardly encourages listeners to be their own outlets of positivity and shine bright through shadows cast by the dimming hatred of others, many fail to see past the Grande-Slater situation. The negative connotations emphasize holding Grande accountable for her actions. There have been arguments made that sabotaging a marriage, especially involving a child, is nothing to “say with your chest.”
Other social media critics have taken to calling Grande a “homewrecker” and pushed the fate of Slater’s past marriage entirely upon the blonde’s shoulders. Even Jay publicly criticized the singer/actress, unleashing the her aching heart. However, little was said about the immaturity Slater embodied himself. The media’s response to the situation emphasizes society’s desire to gnaw at women, stripping their dignity with each mouthful of flesh and gore. Unfortunately, the most impactful and prominent female figures are torn to the bone by the result of the godly standards outsiders hold them to, which are impossible for any mortal to attain.
The situation is clearly messy, however, supposed fans should put more energy into dissecting the art being created as opposed to the life of the creator. Audiences talking about whoever happens to find themselves under the blinding spotlight is non-negotiable; however, reason, respect, and decent human dignity are no less significant. The media has come to normalize invasive gossip, but truth be told information is limited and the outside world only receives small drops of piping hot celebrity tea, not nearly enough to get a true taste of what’s going down. Undoubtedly, there are “behind the scenes” aspects to Grande’s new relationship.
“yes and?” seems like Grande’s response to the flood of hate she has been drowning in for the past six months. However, given the countless unknowns, the art should be interpreted in absence of all the drama. The song has an electric, upbeat feel, encouraging listeners to dance. While the robotic and techno texture has been criticized, it has seemed to grow on fans as the single continues to climb global charts.
Additionally, the lyrics hold empowering sentiment. Grande speaks against toxic gossip culture of the times and urges listeners to generate their own happiness. Lyrics like, “I'm so done with caring / What you think, no, I won’t hide / Underneath your own projections / Or change my most authentic life,” as well as, “And if you find yourself in a dark situation / Just turn on your light,” demonstrate Grande’s optimistic perspective.
The music video opens with harsh critics discussing phony rumors about Grande, but after dancing to “yes and?”’s pulse, the grumpy crowd is enlightened and dances alongside her by the end. Hopefully all the snobby critics of the world find a way to part with their judgment and dance to the rhythm of life.
Fans can expect Eternal Sunshine to warm them “For Good,” as the release of both Wicked and Eternal Sunshine meet the horizon line of 2024. The singer’s seventh studio album will be released March 8, while Wicked is set to screen on Thanksgiving. However, the trailer provides a sneak peak of the enchanting film for those who simply can’t stand the wait.
C+ “yes and?” is an upbeat tune to accompany the sunshiny days of Grande’s forecast, however external drama serves as a stormy distractor.
by Jazmine Blustin
Published Febuary 26 2024
Oshkosh West Index volume 120 issue V