Rolling Stone
Ariana Grande has delighted her fanbase, known as Arianators, with the release of "Knew Better Part Two" in honor of the 10th anniversary of her acclaimed album Dangerous Woman. This new track serves as a continuation of "Knew Better / Future Boy," the penultimate song from her third studio album.
Initially introduced on SoundCloud in 2016, "Knew Better Part Two" presents a more upbeat interpretation of the original, featuring Grande reflecting on past relationships, enhanced by the album's signature trap-pop sound.
As she prepares for the launch of her eighth studio album, Petal, scheduled to be released on July 31 through BabyDoll/Republic Records, Grande has been actively generating anticipation. The album has been co-written and produced in collaboration with her long-time associate Ilya, with the lead single, "Hate That I Made You Love Me," set to debut on May 29, featuring contributions from renowned pop producer Max Martin. Notably, Petal will be Grande's first album following her Oscar-nominated role as Glinda the Good Witch in the Wicked film adaptations.
Although specific details regarding Petal have been limited, Grande described the project as "a little bit feral," adding that the themes revolve around severing ties with various negative influences, both internal and external. "It was kind of about breaking up with all different kinds of negative attachments — whether it's my own monsters in my own head, external voices, things that no longer serve me," she explained. "It was a writing experiment for me to use that as a template so that I could be talking about one thing and sharing something, and people could use it however they want and apply it to their own lives."
In November, the versatile artist will star alongside Ben Stiller and Robert DeNiro in the upcoming film Focker In-Law and is slated to return to the stage in 2027 in a West End revival of Sunday in the Park With George, where she will play the role of Dot alongside her Wicked co-star, Jonathan Bailey.
Grande's previous album, Eternal Sunshine, was released in 2024, and she is set to launch the Eternal Sunshine Tour on June 6 in Oakland, California.
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