The creation of Ariana Grande’s albums Sweetener and Thank U, Next was a deeply emotional and challenging period for the artist, marked by personal tragedies and mental health struggles. Grande candidly discussed her experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, depression, and anxiety during this time in an interview on the Hollywood Reporter podcast Awards Chatter on February 3rd.
Sweetener, released in August 2018, followed the devastating bombing at her Manchester concert in 2017, a tragedy that claimed 22 lives and injured hundreds. Shortly after Sweetener‘s release, Grande faced another profound loss with the death of her ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller, due to an accidental drug overdose.
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Ariana Grande in London in January 2025. Dave Benett/Getty
In the aftermath of these events, Grande channeled her emotions into creating Thank U, Next, completing the majority of the album in just two weeks. The album was released in February 2019, a remarkably quick turnaround driven by Grande’s personal need for creative expression. She described the process as a crucial part of her healing journey.
Grande acknowledged the unconventional nature of releasing two albums in such rapid succession, particularly in the pop music landscape. While her record label expressed hesitation, she emphasized the importance of prioritizing her emotional well-being and artistic vision over industry norms.
“I was doing so much therapy, and I was dealing with PTSD and all different kinds of grief and depression and anxiety,” Grande shared on the podcast. “And, I was, of course, treating it very seriously, but having music be a part of that remedy was absolutely contributing to saving my life.” She further explained that music provided a vital source of solace and light during a dark period, offering a means of survival and a powerful form of therapy.
The urgency with which Thank U, Next was created is reflected in its raw emotion and vulnerability. Grande described the experience as both cathartic and liberating, a profound moment of connection with herself and her music. While her label understood her need to create, the rapid release schedule deviated from typical industry practices.
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Ariana Grande in London in August 2019. Kevin Mazur/Getty
Beyond the therapeutic benefits of creating music, Grande highlighted the deep connection she shares with her fans. She recounted heartwarming stories of fans who found solace and support in her music and public persona, reinforcing the importance of her role as an artist and public figure. These connections, she shared, are among the most meaningful aspects of her career. The creation of Sweetener and Thank U, Next represents a significant chapter in Ariana Grande’s personal and artistic journey, demonstrating the power of music as a tool for healing and connection.
