Pete Davidson initially braced himself for a difficult listen when Ariana Grande released "thank u, next," a song that prominently mentioned him following their highly publicized breakup. Despite his pre-emptive anxiety, Davidson ultimately found the song to be less harsh and more tolerable than he anticipated.
Initial Apprehension and Group Listening Experience
When the track first dropped, Davidson approached the situation with a clear sense of dread. He gathered his friends and told them, "We all have to listen to this song and you all have to look at me. It's gonna be rough." This statement underscored his expectation of an uncomfortable or potentially embarrassing experience, given the deeply personal nature of the lyrics and the public scrutiny of his past relationship with Grande. He seemingly prepared himself and his companions for an awkward moment, anticipating direct and potentially critical lyrical content about their time together.
Surprising Acceptance and Mild Reaction
Contrary to his initial fears, Davidson expressed that "Thank u, next" wasn't as bad as he expected. After playing the song for his friends, his own reaction, which was mirrored by the group, was surprisingly subdued: "Ehh … it's okay." This indicates a sense of relief and a general feeling that the song, while acknowledging their past relationship with the line "Even almost got married, and for Pete I'm so thankful," did not contain the harsh criticisms or personal attacks he might have feared. His reaction suggests a level of maturity and perhaps even indifference, indicating he had moved past the emotional intensity of the breakup.
This unexpected reaction from Davidson aligns with the song's overall tone, which focuses on growth and gratitude for past relationships rather than bitterness.
Here’s a summary of Pete Davidson’s emotional journey concerning the song:
| Emotional State | Pre-Listening Phase | Post-Listening Phase |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Outlook | Apprehensive; expected the song to be "rough" and potentially embarrassing. | Relieved; found the song "wasn't as bad as he expected." |
| Group Experience | Gathered friends, instructing them to "look at me," bracing for an intense reaction. | Shared a collective "Ehh… it's okay" sentiment, indicating a mild, non-confrontational outcome. |
For more details on Pete Davidson's reaction and public comments, you can refer to reports from reputable sources like People magazine.
