Ariana Grande released a breakup anthem for the ages on Saturday, mere minutes before her former fiancé Pete Davidson was due to hit the airwaves on Saturday Night Live.
But the comedian wasn’t the only one referenced on “thank u, next.” She also shouted out a host of former flames including Ricky Alvarez, whom she dated for a year beginning in 2015. On Monday the dancer posted a funny (and sweet) video to his Instagram story in response to the namecheck.
The humorous portion of the clip starts with Alvarez, 26, listening intensely to Grande’s new track. Then the camera zooms in for a startling close up as she sings the line, “Wrote some songs about Ricky, now I listen and laugh.”
Then he got sincere by posting a text panel reading “Nothing but gratitude,” with a black heart emoji. He even threw in a musical compliment: “Thank you, next… (those songs are fire tho… you’re welcome).”
A fond meditation on her past romances, “Thank U, Next” begins by reviewing her time with Alvarez, rapper Big Sean, Davidson and musician Mac Miller(born Malcolm McCormick, who died on Sept. 7 at age 26.
Grande responded to the tribute on Twitter, writing simply, “thank u for this honor @billboard,” alongside her trademark black heart.