Ariana Grande slammed for 'bizarre' scheme releasing 14 versions of 'the same song'

Fans think Ariana Grande has a plan to make sure her new song makes the top spot in the charts.

You may or may not know that it’s been a big week for Ariantors everywhere, with the popstar releasing her first single in almost four years.

Despite working with The Weeknd on some remixes last year, Ariana hasn’t released an album since 2020.

This week she put out her new single ‘Yes, and?’, which is in a similar vein to her previous single ‘Thank you, next?’ and it's safe to say fans have gone wild for the new song.

The star also announced she is releasing a brand-new album in March called Eternal Sunshine, which I'm sure was music to many fans' ears.

Instagram/@arianagrande

However, fans began to raise questions after it turned out there were 14 different versions of the song released in the same week.

How can one song have 14 different versions, you may ask?

Well, versions of ‘Yes, and?’ include the acoustic version, the instrumental, acapella, sped up, slowed down, and a whole lot more.

Sounds like TikTok is really going to get on board with this!

It’s been reported that the thought process behind doing this is to ensure the single debuts at number one on next week's Hot 100.

And the plan is seemingly working.

arianagrande/TikTok

The theory is that if they release 14 versions, and fans stream and buy them just as much as the original, then there won’t be many spaces left in the charts for singles from other artists.

As of right now, Ariana’s variations of the song take up half of the spaces inside the top 10.

It’s not uncommon practice for big music labels to do this, ensuring their artists secure a good spot for their newly-released music.

Some people on X, formerly Twitter, shared their views about the tactical releases.

One said: It’s sad that music isn’t for enjoyment anymore and it’s all about numbers and stats.”

Another said: I remember when artists didn’t have to try so hard to chart high.

“Billboard should not lump versions together.”

A third commented: “She really said ‘I’m getting that number one’.”

UNILAD has contacted both Universal Music and Ariana Grande's reps for comment.