Ariana Grande Sweetener / thank u, next
b'
Aural Fixation\\u2019s second season of queer icons wraps up with our most contemporary yet. Ariana Grande might be the most popular artist among queer people under the age of, erm... twenty-five, but in recent years has trodden a path taken by very few, if any, of her peers.
\\xa0
Released just six months apart, Sweetener and thank u, next both represent a different side to the complex coin of Grande\\u2019s career in 2018. Common threads carry through both, of relationship woes, mental health struggles and inevitable resilience, not to mention the bangers and bops galore. Grande also continues to demonstrate visible allyship with queer people, as she has since the beginning of her career \\u2013 however, she\\u2019s not entirely without controversy herself.
In episode 18, Drew and Andy are joined by noted Ariana authority and Canadian-Australian Friend of the Pod Maheena to consult on the completely unique career of one of the world\\u2019s biggest pop stars, framed through the lense of two outstanding albums released half a year from one another. Thank u next, bitch. Yuh.
You can find this episode's companion playlist on Spotify, and follow us on Instagram at @auralfixationpodcast. Follow the dolls on @drew_down_under and @andrewdoyouthinkyouare. Our special guest this episode can be found at @maheenamae.\\xa0