- On Friday, Ariana Grande debuted the music video for her hit single, “Thank U, Next,” directed by Hannah Lux Davis.
- The video pays homage to four iconic female-focused movies: “Mean Girls,” “Legally Blonde, “13 Going on 30,” and “Bring It On.”
- In the video, Grande embodies a main character from each film, played by Rachel McAdams, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Garner, and Kirsten Dunst, respectively.
- Grande also enlisted a slew of her friends, former “Victorious” co-stars, fellow artists, and the films’ original cast members to play other roles.
- Here are all the parallels and references you may have missed.
On Friday, Ariana Grande dropped the much-anticipated music video for “Thank U, Next,” her first-ever single to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Grande had teased the video with photos on social media, allowing her fans to know in advance that she would be paying tribute to four iconic female-focused movies: “Mean Girls,” “Legally Blonde, “13 Going on 30,” and “Bring It On.”
“We are basically recreating a bunch of my favorite scenes from classic, girly, early 2000s, ’90s movies – that have shaped and molded so many of us into the strong and intelligent, but still playful and girly, women that we are today,” Grande said in a clip from behind the scenes.
The video did not disappoint. Grande and her team packed the five-minute clip with references and sweet details.
"Everywhere in the video, there's Easter eggs. If you look at everything she's reading, everything she's touching, the signage, it's all purposeful and with intention," the video's director, Hannah Lux Davis, told Jezebel.
Here's everything you may have missed.
The video opens with a parody of a scene from "Mean Girls."
In the 2004 film, written by Tina Fey, a montage of characters describe their impressions of the high school's queen bee, Regina George.
Each impression - from, "I hear she does car commercials in Japan," to, "One time she punched me in the face; it was awesome" - describes the character's vast influence on her peers.
Grande's version of this scene, which she released as a trailer on Wednesday, touches upon her real-life characteristics, recent life events, and rumors about the pop star.
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 27, 2018
The instrumental that plays in the background is from another new song, titled "7 Rings."
Grande has confirmed that her upcoming album will also be titled "Thank U, Next." She has not released any details about its release, barring the fact that it's technically "done" but she may continue to add additional songs.
Grande has also confirmed that one of the songs will be titled "7 Rings." The track was inspired by seven matching friendship rings that she shares with Victoria Monét, Courtney Chipolone, Alexa Luria, Taylor Parks, Njomza, Tayla Parx, and Kaydence Visus.
well ............. ‘twas a pretty rough day in nyc. my friends took me to tiffany’s. we had too much champagne. i bought us all rings. 💍 it was very insane and funny. & on the way back to the stu njomza was like ‘bitch, this gotta be a song lol’. so we wrote it that afternoon. https://t.co/CoczmPj1Fo
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) December 1, 2018
Fans suspected that the soft instrumentals heard in the background of the "Thank U, Next" intro might belong to a different song.
got this from the thank u, next trailer. it prob isn't anything but if it's a new song u heard it here first x pic.twitter.com/07qOOCueec
— m (@needymax) November 27, 2018
Grande later confirmed this theory on Twitter, tagging her frequent collaborator Tommy Brown (aka producer TBHITS).
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) December 1, 2018
The first person who speaks to the camera is Colleen Ballinger, famous for her online persona Miranda Sings.
"One time on Twitter, I heard Ariana was pregnant, so I got pregnant so we could be pregnant at the same time," Ballinger says. "Turns out it was just a rumor."
Ballinger - a comedian, singer, actress, and YouTube personality, best known for her character Miranda Sings - has been friends with Grande for many years. They were close before Grande found pop stardom and have documented their friendship online using Ballinger's YouTube channels.
Grande has previously lamented the constant speculation that she is pregnant. During her "Carpool Karaoke" segment with James Corden, she said: "People really want me to be pregnant... Every other week, there's like, a pregnancy thing."
The next person is Jonathan Bennett.
"Ariana Grande told me my hair looks sexy pushed back," Bennett says. "She's not wrong."
Bennett played Aaron Samuels in "Mean Girls."
His line in Grande's video echoes a memorable scene, in which Regina demands Cady tell Aaron that his hair "looks sexy pushed back."
Bennett told BuzzFeed News that it took a seven-person hair and makeup team to return him to his Aaron Samuels-era glory, "taping and gluing everything back up where it belongs." They even had to flat-iron each piece of his hair "to make it smooth."
"I hadn't had that done in 14 or 15 years, so to have that done and then look in the mirror for the first time with the blue sweatshirt on, it definitely gave me chills," he said.
Stefanie Drummond, another "Mean Girls" alum, also appears.
"Ariana broke off an engagement, so I found a guy to propose to me and I broke off an engagement," Drummond says - referring, of course, to Grande's recent split from former fiancé Pete Davidson.
Drummond played Bethany Byrd in "Mean Girls."
She utters two iconic lines: "One time, she punched me in the face," Byrd says about Regina George. "It was awesome."
Later in the film, Byrd talks about Lindsay Lohan's character in the same manner: "I saw Cady Heron wearing army pants and flip-flops, so I bought army pants and flip-flops."
Grande's friend and fellow pop star Troye Sivan is next to appear.
"I heard she's a lesbian now and dating some chick called Aubrey. It's f---ing sick," Sivan says.
The line pokes fun at Apple Music misreporting a lyric in "Thank U, Next," making it seem like Grande is dating a girl named Aubrey. (The actual lyric is, "Her name is Ari.")
🖤 @applemusic thank you for fixing the lyrics 🖤 https://t.co/6xnI4LAVE7 sorry aubrey
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 5, 2018
Grande's friend and choreographer Scott Nicholson is almost unrecognizable.
"I heard if you record her snoring and play it backwards, it sounds like 'Fantasia,'" Nicholson tells the camera.
Scott and his twin brother Brian are both longtime backup dancers and choreographers for Grande. She revealed on Twitter that they choreographed the entire "Thank U, Next" video.
Some fans believe that the necklace Nicholson wears in the video, which reads "Babygirl," is an Easter egg of some kind - but Grande has appeared to shoot down this theory.
Lastly, "Ariana Grande impersonator" Gabi DeMartino pokes fun at herself.
"Ariana says, 'Honest to God knock me out,' so I decided to punch myself in the face," DeMartino says. "It was awesome."
i say “honest to god knock me out” 300 times a day
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) June 7, 2018
Fans will recognize DeMartino as a popular YouTuber who's often criticized for "copying" Grande. In July, DeMartino posted a vlog titled, "i lived like ariana grande for a day parody," during which she attempts to imitate Grande's laugh.
Grande saw the clip on Twitter and replied, "yea this ain't it." The tweet sent fans into a frenzy - including DeMartino herself, who wrote that Grande's reply "definitely hurt."
Ariana Grande just saw one of the videos from THAT YouTuber who looks identical to her. Gabi Demartino has been accused of trying to look and act like Ariana Grande for years. pic.twitter.com/rbK4dXj0F8
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 22, 2018
Grande later cleared everything up in a separate tweet: "i was just being funny i knew they'd laugh at that my bad babe. it's all love here, u know that. ayo but next time can u wear more neutral tones and not do the cat laugh. jk."
After the intro, the video opens with Grande's version of the Burn Book.
In "Mean Girls," the Plastics cut out photos of other girls from the school yearbook and glue them into the Burn Book, writing mean comments.
Grande's version is a scrapbook about her ex-boyfriends.
Next to a photo of herself and her ex-boyfriend Big Sean, Grande wrote: "so cute," "so sweet," and, "could still get it."
She only wrote positive comments.
There's a page that features Ricky Alvarez, Grande's former backup dancer who she dated in 2014 and 2015.
Next to Alvarez's photo, Grande wrote, "great dancer," "good times man," and "friends forever."
Naturally, there's a page about her recent ex-fiancé.
Grande can be seen gluing a photo of herself and Davidson that she first posted on Instagram back in June. For some reason, his is the only face that's intentionally concealed.
Davidson's comments include, "I love u always," "sry I dipped," and "HUUUUUGE."
A page for Mac Miller, aka Malcolm McCormick, is noticeably missing.
Miller, who passed away in September, does not appear in the Burn Book. Instead, Grande looks upwards as she sings the line that pays tribute to the late rapper.
Grande actually addressed the decision not to include a page for Miller back in November. When a fan mistakenly thought his photo would be in the book, Grande replied with, "M ain't in the book he next to my bed."
M ain’t in the book he next to my bed
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 23, 2018
Though his photo is never clearly shown in the final video, it appears that it's placed next to Grande's bed, which the singer appears to briefly glance at during the lyric.
The behind-the-scenes footage reveals that Grande replicated Regina's bedroom decor.
The word "princess" is spelled out above Regina's bed in gold letters. Grande recreated this effect for the music video, but used her own name.
Grande is then seen strutting down a hallway with three friends and Bennett in tow.
Grande assumes the role of queen bee Regina George, while her two best friends Alexa Luria and Courtney Chipolone were cast as Karen Smith and Gretchen Wieners.
The girls' outfits are strikingly similar.
Karen was originally portrayed by Amanda Seyfried, Gretchen by Lacey Chabert, and Regina by Rachel McAdams.
Elizabeth Gillies is almost a dead-ringer for Cady Heron.
Gillies and Grande became friends on Broadway together when both were cast in "13: The Musical."
Gillies and Grande reunited on the Nickelodeon show "Victorious," as Jade West and Cat Valentine, respectively.
Grande put her own spin on Regina's memorable outfit.
While Regina's shirt says "a little bit dramatic," Grande's says, "a little bit needy."
This is probably a reference to a song on her upcoming album, titled "Needy," which she has already teased on Instagram.
She even copied the design of Regina's necklace.
Regina's has an "R" necklace, while Grande obviously has an "A."
At one point, Grande looks back and smiles at Bennett.
The interaction closely parallels a moment between Regina and Aaron.
A behind-the-scenes photo shows a poster in the school hallway that reads, "Live the life you've imagined."
"Imagine" is one of the few song titles that Grande has confirmed for her upcoming album. She has also hinted on Twitter that "Imagine" will be her next single.
i would really like u to hear that next https://t.co/CNJQbEjDwc
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) December 1, 2018
Grande's Plastics perform onstage in Santa costumes.
Chipolone, Grande, Gillies, and Luria perform a choreographed dance.
It's the same set-up as the winter talent show scene.
It's common knowledge that the Plastics perform at the talent show every year.
Grande and her friends perform the iconic thigh slap — but Gillies' move was slightly different.
If you watch closely, you can see that Chipolone, Grande, and Luria all slap their boots instead of their thighs.
"I bruised my thighs horribly from doing this slap," Gillies revealed on Twitter. "I didn't realize the girls were hitting their boots. Smart."
no she’s not kidding. they looked ROUGH. https://t.co/3zEJzCfysV
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) December 1, 2018
Kris Jenner makes a cameo.
The Kardashian matriarch dons a pink sweatsuit for the appearance.
Grande revealed on Twitter that her own mother would "never" have taken on the role herself. (Joan Grande is known amongst fans for only ever wearing black.)
she would never... unfortunately. 🖤 BUT.. i did get someone to play her. meaning i got somebody to play @joangrande playing mrs. george. https://t.co/QtyPXdcBTA
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 23, 2018
She takes on the role of Regina's "cool mom."
The role was memorably filled by Amy Poehler.
Grande is then seen in a more casual look, brushing her teeth next to Matt Bennett.
Bennett is another "Victorious" alum. He played the role of Robbie Shapiro, who eventually became the love interest of Grande's character Cat. The two actors have remained good friends ever since.
The scene echoes a sweet moment in "Bring It On."
The protagonist Torrance Shipman, played by Kirsten Dunst, develops a sweet relationship with her friend's twin brother Cliff Pantone, played by Jesse Bradford.
Grande receives a mixtape.
The cassette tape is inscribed, "To Ari, from Ari."
Torrance receives a mixtape from Cliff.
It's a sweet gesture from the usually cynical character.
Grande dances on a bed with black and red pom poms.
The bedroom walls behind Grande contain a few sweet details - and possible hints about her next album.
If you look closely at the wall, you can see a collage with the word "Woman" pasted on top - which is reportedly the name of another song on Grande's upcoming album.
To Grande's left, there's a poster of Grande's brother Frankie figure skating and even a black-and-white one of herself.
Torrance also has a bedroom dance party.
They both have posters of figure skaters.
The next scene shows Grande in a cheer squad.
The uniforms have "TUN" emblazoned on the front - as in, "Thank U, Next."
One of the cheerleaders is Daniella Monet, who portrayed Trina Vega on "Victorious."
The uniforms nearly match those of Rancho Carne High School's cheer squad in "Bring It On."
Torrance is the squad's captain.
There's a second squad dressed in green.
Two of Grande's close friends can be seen among the ranks: Victoria Monét, who co-writes many of Grande's songs, and Taylor Parks (aka Tayla Parx), a fellow artist who co-wrote "Thank U, Next."
The East Compton Clovers are the rival squad in "Bring It On."
The Clovers squad captain, Isis, is played by Gabrielle Union.
Monét and Grande mime a rivalry.
In real life, these two are best friends.
The two squad captains in "Bring It On" have a rivalry — but also a mutual respect.
In the final competition, they each give each other tips.
In the next scene, Grande is shown walking away from a wedding ceremony.
She debuts a shorter haircut and is carrying a dollhouse.
It's a parallel of the pivotal scene in "13 Going on 30."
Jennifer Garner plays Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old girl who suddenly flashes forward to her 30-year-old life.
The wedding party includes Grande's friends again.
Luria, Chipolone, and Monét all appear to be bridesmaids.
http://instagr.am/p/Bq0gXVOlMOl
The bride herself, although she resembles Grande, is left intentionally ambiguous.
The setup is nearly identical to the wedding in the movie.
Jenna's childhood best friend Matty Flamhaff, played by Mark Ruffalo, is getting married to someone else.
Grande takes a moment to herself outside a large home.
Jenna does the same.
Even the camera angle is nearly identical.
The tiny rooms in the dollhouse include a miniature Grande taking a bubble bath.
The miniature figure has Grande's face from a recent Instagram, complete with a Snapchat filter, pasted on top.
Jenna's dollhouse features the same thing.
Matty made the dollhouse for Jenna by hand.
Each room in the dollhouse is a shrunken-down version of each room in the music video.
Grande revealed on Twitter that the video's director, Hannah Lux Davis, came up with the concept: "One of my favorite details. So special."
Grande transitions into the next scene with a flurry of pink sparkles.
This echoes the "magic wishing dust" that helps transport Jenna.
The dust that Matty sprinkles on top of the dollhouse is responsible for Jenna's transformation.
Grande then appears in a pink outfit with her dog, Toulouse.
Grande adopted Toulouse as a puppy in 2013. In her recent tour diary, she called the dog her "shadow" and her "best friend."
She is recreating Elle Woods arriving to Harvard Law School in "Legally Blonde."
Elle Woods, played by Reese Witherspoon, has a beloved dog named Bruiser.
Grande is also seen sunbathing with her dog while wearing a fluffy outfit.
Grande is reading a book titled, "Immigration and Refugee Law and Policy."
Elle does the same thing with Bruiser.
Elle has fewer law books at this point in the movie, though.
In a brief intermission, Grande chats about boys with a "Legally Blonde" alumna.
Jennifer Coolidge reprises her role as Paulette Bonafonté, a nail technician and Elle's confidant.
Paulette and Elle did the same.
Coolidge wore nearly the same exact outfit in both scenes.
Even Paulette's love interest makes an appearance — but with one key detail changed.
The UPS guy who frequents the nail salon is Paulette's crush and eventual husband.
In Grande's version, the UPS guy has "BDE" emblazoned on his shirt - which is almost certainly a reference to Davidson. In June, The Cut published an article about "Bick Dick Energy" and used Davidson as its exemplary owner.
Grande demonstrates her own version of the "bend and snap."
The Nicholson twins updated the move to "change the 'bend and snap' into the 'thank you, next,'" Grande revealed in behind-the-scenes footage. "A, so we don't get sued - and B 'cause we're, you know, original."
omg we tried to put our own twist on it so legal wouldn’t come for us but THANK U. this is the biggest honor. love u more than words. 🖤 https://t.co/BKHjCgS9jk
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 30, 2018
The move was made famous by Elle.
According to Elle, the move has a high success rate when trying to get a guy's attention.
There are photos in the nail salon of Grande in her "Breathin" music video.
The popular song "Breathin" - which comes from her recent album "Sweetener" - is about Grande overcoming her struggles with anxiety.
The music video, which dropped in November, was also directed by Davis.
Read more: Watch Ariana Grande's stunning music video for "Breathin"
Grande and Coolidge filmed another "Legally Blonde" seen that was cut from the final product.
A brief look at the deleted scene appears in Grande's behind-the-scenes footage.
The deleted scene mimics Elle taking Paulette to confront her ex.
Grande even donned blonde braided pigtails to mimic Elle's look in this scene.
Grande's scene on the elliptical has multiple Easter eggs.
She dons an orange tank top and exercises in front of an orange laptop, designed to look like an old Macbook with a heart instead of an apple.
Elle works out in front of a book, but she does use her orange laptop in class.
Behind-the-scenes footage reveals that Grande has photos of her family framed on the desk.
A photo of Grande's maternal grandparents has a prominent placement on her desk setup.
Grande is very close with her grandmother Marjorie (who she calls "Nonna"), pictured with Grande on the left. Marjorie Grande came out onstage, along with Grande's mother Joan and her cousin Lani, at the end of Grande's "God Is a Woman" performance at the 2018 VMAs.
Toulouse is briefly shown watching a dog program on TV.
You also can see that Grande has another framed selfie on the wall on this room.
Bruiser is fond of a similar program.
Watch the full video for "Thank U, Next" here.
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