Happy Birthday ‘Thank U, Next’: Ariana Grande Celebrates Album That ‘Literally Saved My Life’

It's been a year since Ariana Grande released her record-breaking album, thank u, next, and the songstress took to Instagram on Friday (Feb. 7) to celebrate the record's birthday.

"making this project with so many dear friends quite literally saved my life and gave me the courage to be vulnerable and be honest with people," Grande wrote in the heartfelt, lengthy message. "thank u for making me feel heard, safe and incredibly human. it is nice (and so healing) to know that i don’t have to hide behind a weird, polished pop star facade and that i’m able to connect with so many people over my truths and pain. i know that should have clicked for me sooner but it didn’t and i want to thank u for showing me first hand that it is okay. all of it."

The star went on to note that she's been "writing and creating a lot lately," though she's in "no rush to pop anything out of the oven yet !!"

"but i do look forward to this new chapter and sharing more stories / life with u," she concluded.

thank u, next debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart  in the week ending Feb. 14, 2019, according to Nielsen Music, and was the biggest week for a pop album in over a year at the time. The album delivered smash singles, including "7 Rings," "break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored" and the title track.

See Grande's celebratory anniversary post below.

 
 
 
 
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happy birthday thank u next -- making this project with so many dear friends quite literally saved my life and gave me the courage to be vulnerable and be honest with people. thank u for making me feel heard, safe and incredibly human. it is nice (and so healing) to know that i don’t have to hide behind a weird, polished pop star facade and that i’m able to connect with so many people over my truths and pain. i know that should have clicked for me sooner but it didn’t and i want to thank u for showing me first hand that it is okay. all of it. i have been writing and creating a lot lately and it feels nice. i am in no rush to pop anything out of the oven yet !! but i do look forward to this new chapter and sharing more stories / life with u. :) sending a tremendous, warm hug.

A post shared by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande) on