The 1975 Cover 'Thank U, Next,' Ariana Grande Approves

The 1975 covered Ariana Grande’s Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper “Thank U, Next” during their appearance on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge.

The band played the Live Lounge set to promote their upcoming album, A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships, performing a series of their recent singles as well as a cover of their own choosing. Before performing their take on “Thank U, Next,” frontman Matty Healy revealed the reason behind the band’s cover choice, calling Grande “the main protagonist…in most people’s lives.” Healy confessed that he’s started to “really care” about Grande and expressed his admiration for the way she’s dealt with such a trying year.

“She’s had a right old tough time and I like her a lot,” Healy said. “And she’s got a great voice. And I don’t. So I’m gonna sing one of her songs.”

With the harmonious inclusion of backup singers, The 1975 delivered their own soaring, gospel rendition of “Thank U, Next” that was so good, even Grande herself approved of it.

Grande, who is also Billboard’s 2018 Woman of the Year, showed The 1975 some love on Twitter, retweeting their performance with a heart emoji, as well as Healy’s tweet about her that said “We (and I mean society as a whole) f***ing love you.”

Watch The 1975’s full performance of “Thank U, Next” and check out Ari’s tweets below.