Ariana Grande's 'Petal' Video Shows Artist Confronting Critics with Chainsaw
In the new music video for "Petal," Ariana Grande portrays a character who uses a chainsaw to attack executives who dismiss her, reflecting themes of criticism and self-assertion.
Ariana Grande's latest music video for the title track of her new album features the singer playing a character named Pepper, an aspiring performer auditioning at a fictional talent agency. After receiving repeated negative evaluations from a panel of executives, the character returns in increasingly exaggerated outfits before finally pulling a chainsaw and attacking the men, after which other women applaud her.
The video, shot in the vintage VistaVision format, ends by revealing the violent scene as part of a film within the story, suggesting a commentary on the ongoing search for approval in the entertainment industry.
"Petal" is the second single from Grande's album released on July 31, following her previous chart-topping releases. The artist performed the song live during her current tour, most recently in Montreal, with upcoming dates in Chicago and a ten-night run at London’s O2 Arena.
"The way you used to be, I miss that," one of the fictional executives says in the video, echoing language that mirrors some of the public criticism Grande has faced.
The visual narrative aligns with Grande's recent promotional activities and continues her pattern of releasing music videos that incorporate theatrical storytelling.