The music video for Ariana Grande’s single, “thank u, next” was released and it exceeded expectations. Within five hours of the release, the music video received over 14 million views. It also received one million likes in 33.9 minutes which dethroned BTS’ 39 minute record for their song “Fake Love.” The video garnered 55 million views in 24 hours, making “thank u, next” the largest debut in YouTube history.

The video is a modern spin on early 2000s romantic comedies including 13 Going on 30, Bring It On, Mean Girls, and Legally Blonde. The song takes a look at Grande’s experiences with past ex-boyfriends, and how she overcame the breakups. Instead of taking a negative look at her life, she sings about how she learned to love herself and move on to greater things.

The video opens with a reference to 2004’s Mean Girls. Grande acted as main character Regina George, and her friends Elizabeth Gillies, Alexa Luria, and Courtney Chipolone played the rest of her “crew.” They strutted down the hallway with Mean Girls veteran Jonathan Bennett, who played Aaron Samuels. Kris Jenner’s cameo, as Regina’s overly enthusiastic mother, blew viewers away. Victorious co-star Matt Bennett was featured as Cliff Pantone from the cheerleading flick, Bring It On. Jennifer Coolidge reprised her role as Paulette Bonafonté in Legally Blonde as she and Grande did the “bend and snap” around a nail salon. Last but not least, Grande rocked a short, clean haircut while reenacting a scene from 13 Going on 30.

  Sanderson freshman Maddie Midha stated, “I couldn’t wait. The video has some of my favorite movies and Ariana Grande performed each character flawlessly.”

Ariana Grande’s continuous successes are inspiring to the music community and beyond. At just 25 years of age, she is literally breaking records.