Access to social media means we don't have to wait for our favorite celebrities. Depending on how open they are, we can get photos, reactions, releases, and more, all with lightning speed. And nobody is better at the social media game than Ariana Grande. The singer-songwriter-actress could teach a masterclass on building suspense for her new songs off her fifth album, which she's been releasing one at a time. First, there was "Thank U, Next," which sent Twitter and the world at large into a frenzy. Now, there's "Imagine," and Ariana knew exactly how to get her fans excited.
Per People, the new romantic ballad may actually be a reference to John Lennon's song of the same title. It's about "denial," according to Grande, and envisioning a different future for her "failed yet important beautiful relationships." It's quite a change from her fluffy, upbeat "Thank U, Next" and its star-studded music video with a million movie references. That one was all about "acceptance," according to Grande.
The singer was in rare form last night. She retweeted her fans counting down by the hour until release, and even joined in on Twitter and Instagram. There were screenshots of the lyrics video (below) on her computer and the song playing on her phone. There were random shots of her dogs, clearly less enthused than she was, on her Instagram stories. Two hours before the song release, she actually started tweeting lyrics from the song—fans went wild. Right now, some of those lyrics have more retweets than the tweet with the actual song link.
love how my .... face fits so ... good in your neckDecember 14, 2018
can u imagineDecember 14, 2018
Miley Cyrus was also releasing a song last night ("War Is Over," also potentially inspired by Lennon). But instead of competing, Grande recognized her fellow singer, and managed to throw some shade to Drake and Kanye's Twitter fight while she was at it:
She really, really knows how to get people excited. Listen to "Imagine" below, while we wait for another inspired video.
For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
-
Meghan Markle "Fears" Being "Heckled" If She Returns to U.K."The last thing she needs is the stress of going back."
-
Jenny Is Back on the Block—and Carrying a BirkinThe singer returned to New York City with a loud luxury outfit to match.
-
Serena Williams's Post-Retirement Style Pivot Is CompleteThe tennis star's fashion era is taking a turn.
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All TimeHonestly, we're impressed.
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young WomanFrom childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A TimelineWith the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, ExplainedAnd yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
-
Surprise! Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas Are ParentsThey welcomed a baby via surrogate.
