Ariana Grande has opened up on the creation of her upcoming album Eternal Sunshine, admitting she was ‘very emotional’ writing the break-up record.
The singer, 30, split from her husband Dalton Gomez last year, after just two years of marriage, with their divorce settled in October.
She soon moved on to a controversial relationship with her current boyfriend and Wicked co-star Ethan Slater.
In a new interview on The Zach Sang Show, Ariana explained that she created her new album from her heartbreak over her divorce, and that it sped up her return to the studio.
She admitted she cried writing it and said it will chronicle her ‘hardest moments of loss and grief’ but insisted that it was not a revenge record.
Ariana Grande has opened up on the creation of her upcoming album Eternal Sunshine, admitting she was ‘very emotional’ writing the break-up record
The singer, 30, split from her husband Dalton Gomez last year, after just two years of marriage, with their divorce settled in October (pictured together)
Ariana said: ‘I wrote some of [the songs] when I was very emotional. And then there are bops that are more fun. Actually, even some of the bops I cried writing.
‘I wanted to make sure that it was what I intended, which, even at my most heartbroken or pained moments of the past few years, there was so much kindness, there was so much love, there was so much honesty, transparency and respect.
‘So even at the hardest moments of the loss and the grief that you hear on some of the album, there was so much love and transparency.’
She continued: ‘It wasn’t like a ‘F**k you’ at all, ever. Even, like, track two (Bye), I tried to make sure it was kind and giving credit for trying and for the goodness that there was.
‘That was a tricky balance for me because I definitely had some sessions where I was writing more emotionally and reactively, but that’s also very human, so I didn’t want to erase all of it.’
Ariana and Dalton both filed for divorce on September 18, with documents obtained by TMZ, showing Ariana’s lawyer, Laura Wasser, had cited the reason as ‘irreconcilable differences’ with the date of separation listed as February 20, 2023.
Sources informed the outlet that all was ‘worked out’ between the former couple ‘before going to the courthouse’ and added the actress planned to ‘cut Dalton a check’ to officially dissolve the marriage.
The pair notably filed for divorce months after their listed date of separation, and an insider explained to TMZ that the reasoning was so that they could ‘iron out details and settle.’
According to the source, Ariana and Dalton have ‘no hard feelings’ and added ‘they’ve been really caring and respectful of one another every step of this process.’
The Grammy winner and the real estate agent first began dating in January 2020 and the pair became engaged in December the same year.
In May 2021, the two tied the knot during an intimate yet romantic wedding ceremony at her Montecito home, before news of their split emerged in July 2023.
Ariana explained that her break-up inspired her to return to music earlier than expected, as she had planned to take several years break.
Speaking to Zach Sang, she said: ‘If I had to bet when our next interview would be, talking about an album, I would have said 2027.’
However, she added that as she is busy promoting the Wicked movies this year and next year, she doubts she will be going on tour anytime soon.
Ariana said: ‘I had a really hard time emotionally on my last tour but I think that’s because of where I was at. So just like with my music I am really excited to redefine my relationship to shows when I’m ready.
‘I do have a very busy year. But I definitely do have the itch, I miss my fans and I miss being on stage.
‘But I’m not ready to announce anything or get people too excited because I don’t want to disappoint.’
Earlier this month, Ariana announced her new album will drop on March 8 – which is also International Women’s Day – marking her first LP in four years.
Her last album was Positions in 2020, with the new record’s name being inspired by the 2004 film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
The movie follows a former couple, played by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, who undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories following the dissolution of their relationship.
So far she has already released one single from Eternal Sunshine, Yes, And?, which went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
The pop star used the upbeat track to fire back at the criticism she’s received recently over her life choices.
Ariana has found herself under public scrutiny since July 2023, when rumors circulated about her dating Ethan, just days after news of her breakup with Dalton emerged.
To add to the scandal, Ethan had only recently ended his marriage with Lilly Jay, his high school sweetheart.
Earlier this month, Ariana announced her new album will drop on March 8 – which is also International Women’s Day – marking her first LP in four years
So far she has already released one single from Eternal Sunshine, Yes, And?, which she used to fire back at the criticism she’s received recently over her life choices
They had welcomed their first baby together in August 2022, and he filed for divorce from her in July 2023.
In the 80s’-inspired ditty Yes, And?, Ariana appears to clap back at the criticism, rpeatedly asking, ‘Yes, and?’ she urges listeners to reflect on why they feel compelled to comment on her life.
‘Your business is yours, and mine is mine,’ the pop princess also croons, before adding, ‘Why do you care so much whose d*** I ride?’
In another line she sings, ‘Now I’m so done with caring what you think, no I won’t hide underneath your own projections or change my most authentic life.’
