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Ariana Grande (Literally) Hacks Away at Her Critics in Gory ‘Petal’ Music Video: Watch
Ariana Grande has released a gory video for “Petal”, the title track from her new album, portraying criticism of her image and authenticity through a fictional audition. In the video, her character Pepper ultimately attacks a panel of hostile male executives with a chainsaw, turning their feedback into a violent satire of public scrutiny.
Shot on VistaVision, the video follows Pepper through repeated auditions at fictional company Fame INC., where executives call her “not good enough”, criticise her appearance and accuse her of being inauthentic. The ending reveals the events are themselves part of a film performance; “Petal” is Grande’s second single from the album, following the Hot 100 No. 1 “Hate That I Made You Love Me”, and she recently performed it in Montreal during her tour.
In short
- Grande’s “Petal” video satirises criticism of her appearance and authenticity.
- Her character attacks hostile executives in a staged, gory finale.
- The song is the second single from her new album.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The video can be read as an exaggerated satire of an industry that subjects women performers to relentless scrutiny over their looks, talent and authenticity. Its horror-comedy violence is fictional and theatrical, giving Grande a vivid way to turn the critics’ power back on them and expose how demeaning their judgements can be.
The case against
The imagery can also be criticised for making revenge against people who voice harsh opinions seem cathartic or justified, even as a fantasy. Viewers may feel the chainsaw finale overwhelms the critique, blurs the distinction between institutional abuse and ordinary criticism, or relies on shock rather than a more considered account of fame and artistic authenticity.
Explained simply
Ariana Grande is a US singer and actor whose public image has long been discussed alongside her music. Pop stars often face scrutiny over their appearance and whether their work feels authentic, from audiences, critics and the entertainment industry.
“Petal” is the title track from Grande’s album, and its video uses a fictional audition at a company called Fame INC. to explore that scrutiny. The story’s executives represent people with power over performers’ careers, while the audition setting draws on the competition for roles and recognition in show business.
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