Ariana Grande on Why Mac Miller Wasn't in the "Thank U, Next" Burn Book
Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next” music video gave fans plenty to contemplate and analyze when it dropped on Friday, November 30; the 5-minute YouTube gem was jam-packed with easter eggs, iconic movie references, and even hidden messages to her exes. But plenty of eagle-eyed Arianators were quick to notice that “one of these things is not like the others” when glancing at Ari’s “burn book” à la Regina George.
As you know from listening to the song on repeat ever since it was released, “thank u, next” names four of Ariana’s ex-relationships: Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, Pete Davidson, and Mac Miller. And while Sean, Ricky, and Pete all received their respective pages (and, ahem, commentary) in Ariana’s “burn book,” Mac’s seemed to be missing.
It turns out that Ariana actually told us about this before the video was even released. As noted by Elle, while responding to a fan on November 23, Ari revealed that Mac, who passed away in September, had a special place in the video. “M ain’t in the book, he’s next to my bed,” the singer wrote.
If you re-watch the video (for the hundredth time, I’m guessing), you’ll notice that Ariana closes the burn book right before she sings “Wish I could say thank you to Malcolm, ‘cause he was an angel,” while looking upwards. And if you look closely, it becomes clear that there are picture frames on her nightstand — although it’s hard to make out what exactly is inside them.
In the wake of Mac’s death earlier this year, Ariana has paid tribute to his memory on social media several times. “I adored you from the day I met you when I was nineteen, and I always will,” she wrote on Instagram shortly after his passing. “The kindest, sweetest soul with demons he never deserved. I hope you’re okay now. Rest.”
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Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out: This Classic Regina George Line Was Cut From Ariana Grande's "Thank U, Next" Video
