Ariana Grande Drops Slightly Deluxe edition of Eternal Sunshine
Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey, Troye Sivan Getty Images (3)
Ariana Grande brought some extra sunshine to start your week. After a busy weekend of releasing her new album, appearing on Saturday Night Live, and presenting at the 2024 Oscars, she treated fans to the "Slightly Deluxe" edition of Eternal Sunshine on Monday, March 11. This new edition features four new tracks, including a remix with Mariah Carey and a version with Troye Sivan.
The slightly expanded Eternal Sunshine now includes two new tracks: an acoustic version of “Imperfect for You” and an acapella version of “True Story.”
Eternal Sunshine, which was released on Friday, March 8, is Grande’s first major musical project since her divorce from Dalton Gomez. The couple split in 2023 after two years of marriage and finalized their divorce in October. According to an insider, Grande and Gomez had been separated since January 2023 and were already on the path to divorce when Grande started a new romance with her Wicked costar, Ethan Slater.
Some sources mentioned that Slater, aged 31, was estranged from his wife of four years, Lilly Jay. However, other insiders suggested that there were inconsistencies in the timeline. While going through a breakup and starting a new relationship, Jay was labeled a "homewrecker," causing her to feel overwhelmed. Slater and Jay, who have one child together, are currently in the process of getting a divorce.
During an interview on "The Zach Sang Show" on Amazon Music, Jay expressed her feelings about the situation. She mentioned feeling frustrated and distressed by the misunderstandings surrounding her and her loved ones.
A day after Eternal Sunshine was released on streaming services, Grande addressed her fans. She expressed that sending hateful messages to people in her life based on their interpretation of the album goes against her values and the message she wants to convey. She urged her fans to refrain from such behavior.
Grande also mentioned that while her new album may contain painful moments, there is a consistent theme of deep and sincere love that fans should focus on and remember.
Grande’s latest album touches on various aspects of her personal life, including her new relationship with Slater and her strained friendship with Gomez. However, a notable mention of her divorce can be found in the song “I Wish I Hated You.” In this track, Grande expresses conflicting emotions by singing about wishing she could hate her ex-partner, despite feeling guilty for wanting to do so. The song also conveys her desire for her former love to find happiness and be free from any further pain as she says goodbye.
Editor's P/S:
Ariana Grande's release of the "Slightly Deluxe" edition of "Eternal Sunshine" has sparked a mix of excitement and curiosity among fans. The addition of four new tracks, including collaborations with Mariah Carey and Troye Sivan, showcases Grande's versatility and willingness to experiment with her sound. The acoustic and acapella versions of existing tracks provide intimate and stripped-down interpretations, allowing listeners to connect with the raw emotions behind the lyrics.
Grande's personal journey, marked by her divorce and new romance, has undoubtedly influenced the album's content. Her honest portrayal of the complexities of love and loss resonates with listeners who have experienced similar emotions. While some fans may speculate about specific references to her relationships in the songs, it's important to respect Grande's privacy and focus on the universal themes of heartbreak and healing that the album explores.