Grande's team frames this as an artistic evolution—the Grammy winner is 'tapping into' new creative territory with complete creative control via her BabyDoll Music imprint. The message: she's never been more authentic, more fearless, more in charge of her own narrative.
Sources close to the singer hint that Grande's 'little feral' comment isn't just marketing—insiders say this album marks a deliberate departure from the glossy Wicked era. One source describes it as 'unfiltered and raw,' suggesting Grande is done playing nice for public approval. The Justin Long-starring video teaser with its horror-film vibes has stoked speculation about a major artistic pivot.
'Hate That I Made You Love Me' released May 29, 2026—Grande's first non-soundtrack single since 'Twilight Zone' in 2025. Petal drops July 31 via BabyDoll Music (Republic Records) and features 12 tracks. The Eternal Sunshine Tour begins June 8 in Oakland and concludes with 10 shows at London's O2 Arena in September.
Grande's pivot to something 'feral' isn't accidental—after dominating charts with Wicked and the Eternal Sunshine deluxe, she's deliberately shedding her polished image. Whether this darkness is genuine artistic growth or calculated reinvention remains to be seen—but either way, Petal is positioned to be her most provocative work yet.
The Petal era has arrived, and it's anything but sunshine and rainbows. Ariana Grande dropped "Hate That I Made You Love Me" on Friday (May 29), the lead single from her forthcoming eighth studio album—and if the lyrics are any indication, fans should brace themselves. 'I know that I will find my way from you like flowers from a tomb,' she croons over moody production co-crafted with hitmaker Max Martin, ILYA, and Grande herself.
The track marks her first non-soundtrack release since 2025's "Twilight Zone," which peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 via the Eternal Sunshine deluxe edition Brighter Days Ahead. But it's the accompanying visuals that have the internet spiraling. On Wednesday, Grande shared a chilling teaser for the official music video—featuring Weapons actor Justin Long peering nervously into a rearview mirror before adjusting it to reveal Grande's piercing brown eyes staring back at his terrified face.
The full clip premieres Monday (June 1) at 8 a.m. PT. Gone is the bubbly pop star who gave us "Yes, And?" and "We Can't Be Friends"—both chart-toppers from Eternal Sunshine that debuted atop the Billboard 200 in 2024.
In their place: something far more unsettling. Grande first announced Petal via Instagram on April 28, describing the 12-track set as 'little feral' in a candid video clip. 'It's definitely from a place I've been maybe too shy or polite to tap into before,' she admitted.
'This kind of just feels like, "F–k it."' The profanity feels deliberate—a clear signal that whatever comes next won't be sanitized for public consumption. Petal arrives July 31 through Grande's BabyDoll Music imprint, exclusively licensed to Republic Records, dropping in the middle of her Eternal Sunshine Tour (June 8, Oakland → September, London O2). The timing is strategic, if nothing else.
Since Eternal Sunshine, Grande has been on an unstoppable trajectory: Wicked and Wicked: For Good soundtracks both reached No. 2 on the Hot 100, she won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at February's Grammys for "Defying Gravity" alongside Cynthia Erivo, and she returns to the silver screen this fall in Focker-in-Law alongside Robert DeNiro and Ben Stiller. Yet instead of capitalizing on that goodwill with safe, radio-friendly material, Grande is leaning hard into something darker—'feral,' as she puts it.
Whether Petal represents genuine artistic catharsis or calculated reinvention remains to be seen. But one thing's certain: Ariana Grande isn't interested in staying comfortable. After years of tabloid drama, vocal controversies, and industry scrutiny, she's apparently decided the best defense is a really good offense—and a really creepy music video.
Stream "Hate That I Made You Love Me" now and decide for yourself whether this 'feral' era is liberation or performance. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox
