Superstar Ariana Grande has officially announced the release of her next studio album — and per usual, she sent the internet ablaze. Fans of the two-time GRAMMY-winning pop singer can mark their calendars for Grande’s official return with eternal sunshine on March 8.
Grande has been topping charts for more than a decade after first breaking into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 with her debut single, "The Way," featuring Mac Miller, from her debut album, 2013’s Yours Truly.
Just days before announcing eternal sunshine — her first album since 2020’s Positions — Grande released the lead single "yes, and?" which teased a new disco-inspired sound that has fans and critics alike abuzz for more.
Ahead of the release, here’s everything GRAMMY.com currently knows about eternal sunshine.
The Album Will Be Released On March 8
On Jan. 17, Grande unveiled the album’s cover art, title and March 8 release date on social media. The singer’s mom took to her daughter’s Instagram post to share her elation about the upcoming release. "woooohoooo!!! here we f—ing go!!!" she wrote. "you're incredible ... the album is perfection!!! so proud.. Xooxxox". We love a proud mom moment.
The Artwork Reflects A New Direction
In a striking departure from her neutral style, Grande dons red lipstick in the cover art for eternal sunshine. A powerful statement, this deliberate and unapologetic choice stands as a potent symbol of confidence, defiance, and courage.
The album’s cover art, featuring a close-up, partially obscured shot of Grande’s face with a soft motion blur, also reflects the tumultuous swirl of media attention surrounding her personal life. It sets the tone for the album, signaling a new era of boldness and artistic maturity. Grande appears to be reclaiming the narrative, transforming a symbol traditionally associated with stigma into one of strength and resilience.
She’s Working With Max Martin Again
Grande’s back to work with GRAMMY-winning producer and songwriter Max Martin, who has co-written and co-produced songs on five of her seven albums. After not collaborating on 2020's Positions, Martin is seemingly back on board for eternal sunshine, as he co-wrote "yes, and?". ( "yes, and?" was co-written and co-produced by another frequent Grande and Martin collaborator, Ilya Salmanzadeh.)
She’s Ready To Clap Back
As Grande released "yes, and?" on Jan. 12, she also sent a message with the music video; it’s a direct response to fans, critics, and commenters judging Grande’s life and career.
The video opens with a skit that features naysayers, making watercooler commentary including, "I mean who cares if she’s happy. I don’t want happy, I want art," and "I think I liked her better when her ponytail was a few centimeters higher." After being ushered and sat in a room full of stone statues, the characters watch astonished as the statues crumble and Grande appears to stomp over the rubble before launching into the disco-inspired dance track.
More pops of red appear throughout the otherwise monochrome video: a red invitation from “Ari” that appears in the first few seconds of the skit and Grande’s own glossy, manicured nails.
Her Fellow Superstars Are Pumped
Momma Grande isn’t the only one excited for eternal sunshine. When Ari posted photos and video clips from the studio on Instagram in December, she had several celebs screaming with joy.
"FINALLY," commented Selena Gomez, with Billie Eilish eagerly demanding, "UN MUTE PLS" and SZA adding, "Oh this bout to eat." But Grande’s frequent co-writer Victoria Monét may have put it best: "She’s HOME!"
She’s Already Back To Topping The Charts
Although Billboard charts were unavailable as of press time, "yes, and?" premiered at the top position on the Spotify Global Chart, marking her most significant streaming debut on Spotify ever. The single also secured the No.1 position on Apple Music Top 100 Global Chart and the official music video for the single "yes, and?" grabbed the top spot on YouTube’s Trending For Music category.
If that success is any indication for what’s to come upon eternal sunshine’s full release in March, Grande’s return may be her most grande yet.
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