Ariana Grande has premiered in full a live performance of “petal,” the track that gives its name to her upcoming album, which is set to be released this Friday. “petal” will also serve as the second official single from the album, following the enormous success of “hate that i made you love me.”
Before that day arrives, Ariana decided to perform “petal” for the first time live during the “eternal sunshine” tour, in Montreal (Canada). What we hear is a dramatic ballad with a retro vibe, straddling between doo-wop and blues, and also a statement of intent in which Ariana proclaims that “I am not a victim.”
“Petal” uses the metaphor of a “petal on the asphalt” to speak of the tension between the privilege tied to her status as a pop star and the difficulties she has faced in life. The bridge makes it clear: “All my favorite stories end in tragedy, but I don’t need anyone to save me, because this music and I will never die.” Ariana presents the music as her salvation and reminds herself of how privileged she is despite the setbacks: “the pain doesn’t bite here in paradise,” she sings.
Ariana has also offered a small preview of the video for “petal,” which can be watched on the same day as the album’s release. Everything suggests that, like the previous one, it will be packed with interpretation and drama.
“Petal” was also the one that opened the concert encore. It wasn’t the only premiere of the night: Ariana also performed for the first time a brief a cappella of “worst behavior,” from her album “positions.”
