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‘Thank U, Next’: Spot the cameos and film references in Ariana Grande’s glorious throwback video

Charlotte Krol

How many did you get?

Ariana Grande’s music video for ‘Thank U, Next’ was released today (November 30) after weeks of teasers from the indomitable pop star.

The wait was worth it. ‘Thank U, Next’ revels in Noughties rom-com glory with star turns at every corner. But did you spot all the cameos and movie references?

Mean Girls (2004)

Okay, so we all had a head-start with this one. In the run up to the video’s release last week, Ari shared a trailer of the best parodies from the much-loved 2004 comedy.

She also posted photos from the set including her dressed as the film’s bitchy ringleader, Regina George (originally played by Rachel McAdams).

Mean Girls section cameos:

Kris Jenner

Kris Jenner in ‘Thank U, Next’

The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star plays Regina George’s mother in the Mean Girls segment.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan in ‘Thank U, Next’

The Aussie pop star spreads some lesbian gossip about Ari at the start of the video

Jonathan Bennett

Bennett reprises his original role as the Mean Girls heartthrob.

Colleen Ballinger

Colleen Ballinger in ‘Thank u, Next’

Ballinger – YouTube alter ego ‘Miranda Sings’ – is a close friend of Ariana and stars in the video’s opening scene.

Stefanie Drummond

Drummond (right) in the ‘Thank U, Next’ video

Hey, remember her from the original movie? “Somebody wrote in that book that I’m lying about being a virgin because I use super jumbo tampons… but I can’t help it if I’ve got a heavy flow and a wide set vagina.” Well, here she is again!

Elizabeth Gilles

Elizabeth Gillies in ‘Thank U, Next’

Gilles, who first worked with Grande in the TV show Victorious, pulls off the perfect Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan).

Gabi DeMartino

Gabi DeMartino sits next to Ari in costume

YouTuber, actress, and Ari lookalike DeMartino delivers the I-punched-myself-in-the-face-and-it-was awesome line from the original movie.

Bring It On (2000)

The next nod to ’00s pop culture is Bring It On, here re-enacted with explosive cheerleader routines and that flirty toothbrushing scene…

Bring It On section cameos:

Matt Bennett

Matt Bennett with Grande in ‘Thank U, Next’

Bennett is also one of Ari’s former Victorious co-stars.

Daniella Monet

Daniella Monet in ‘Thank U, Next’

Monet is another close friend who worked with Grande on Victorious.

Tayla Parx

Parx co-wrote ‘Thank U, Next’. Here, she performs as part of the East Compton Clovers crew.

Victoria Monet McCants

Victoria Monet in the rival cheerleading crew in ‘Thank U, Next’

Monet also co-wrote the song and joins Parx in the Clovers team.

Legally Blonde (2001)

Grande imitates sorority girl Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) in this section, complete with killer hills and a silly chihuahua.

Still from the ‘Thank U, Next’ music video

Legally Blonde section cameos:

Jennifer Coolidge

Jennifer Coolidge in ‘Thank U, Next’

Coolidge, who plays the beautician Paulette in Legally Blonde, acts in the video’s comedy cut. The actress is a very familiar Noughties face indeed – Stifler’s mom, anyone?

13 Going on 30 (2004)

The last movie shout-out is to 13 Going on 30. Ari stars as the awkward Jenna Rink (originally played by Jennifer Garner).

Ariana Grande as Jennifer Garner in ‘Thank U, Next’