By Julia Welter
Ariana Grande has made a triumphant comeback with her latest single, “Yes, And?,” released at midnight on January 12. This track serves as the lead single from her highly anticipated seventh album, creating a buzz among fans eagerly awaiting her musical return.
The song’s sharp and energetic beats draw inspiration from Madonna’s iconic 1990 single, “Vogue,” setting a vibrant and danceable tone. Grande, known for her powerful vocals and unabashed lyrics, takes a bold stand against critics in “Yes, And?,” sending a clear message to mind their own business. The lyrics convey a sense of empowerment, with Grande confidently declaring her independence from others’ opinions.
The accompanying music video adds a visual dimension to Grande’s message, depicting a group of critics attending a listening session for the new single. As they lament about Grande’s past glory, the statues surrounding them transform into the singer and her dancers, delivering a striking visual representation of transformation and self-expression. Grande even confronts the critics directly, singing the bridge while weaving through their seats, emphasizing her resilience in the face of judgment.
“Yes, And?” marks Grande’s first solo release since her 2020 album, “Positions.” While she’s been relatively quiet on the solo front, she made notable appearances on remixes of the Weeknd’s hits in 2021 and 2023, as well as collaborating with Mariah Carey in 2020 and Demi Lovato in 2021.
Ariana Grande’s new song not only showcases her musical prowess but also serves as a testament to her resilience and confidence as an artist. As fans eagerly await the release of her seventh album, this bold single is a promising glimpse into what promises to be another chapter of chart-topping success for the pop sensation.