All 21 Clues Ariana Grande Has Given Us For Her New Single, "Focus"

What we can expect from Ariana Grande’s new single is gradually coming into, uh, focus, thanks to the starlet’s careful choice of social media posts over the past month and a half. We know that we should always expect a flurry of promo before a big release, but some stars take it to the next level (looking at you too, Justin).

Our favorite mini superstar has been posting a succession of what appear to be “outtakes” from the cover shoot (or, more likely, promo shots, as some feature the day count projected across her body) alongside ‘teaser’ emojis that, as we’ve now learned, hold more meaning than meets the eye! Thrown into the mix is a piece of fan art or two, some funny mash-up edits (featuring one Harry Potter character in particular) and of course, Ariana as a cat, numerous times over. Here, we’ve compiled everything you’ll need to know about the upcoming release, beginning with the start of the countdown:

1. The countdown officially began with this simple tweet. We’re not sure that the cloud emoji represented anything other than her change in aesthetic – lighter hair, softer tones, and overall dreamier look — but we’re into it regardless.

2. The second thing we saw of the album was an Instagram of what looks to be a strategically blurred out, handwritten lyric sheet. The words in focus (ahem) have a no-nonsense, self-love vibe, which we later found out was totally intentional on Ariana’s part.

3. The next Instagram post that went up was that same lyric sheet, now with a little more revealed. At this point, we could count on at least the title track being a personal empowerment anthem.

__4. Ariana then posted the first of what would be a series of photos, the same image of her gradually coming into focus. (Get it?) __

5. A little clearer this time…

6. By the “17 day” promo pic, you could see it was an image of Ari, sporting her new Malfoy-inspired locks..

__7. Just a day later, the picture was revealed full focus, and we discovered that the blurred out black-and-white image was, in fact, the single’s artwork! __

__8. Girl started moving quickly at this point – by day 15, we got the album art in full color (and a peek at the exact hue of the new hair). __

9. By the next day, her posts took a turn, with new angles of the same (color) artwork and the number of days projected across half her body and the background. This post again featured the dream bubble emoji alongside a trumpet and saxophone – perhaps her new tracks are taking on a brassier tone?

__10. The “13 day” teaser featured the first image of Ariana with a matching jacket to go with the skirt and crop top that have been featured in all the promo prior. __

__11. The next day was the first face-forward picture (featuring her super pretty pink eyeshadow) but still from the same series of (what might be?) cover art outtakes. __

12. The “day 11” teaser was just what we would expect:

13. And then the “day 10” carried on with the plateau…

14. Then, on “day 9” of the countdown, we were surprised by this little gem: another lyric sheet, and though we can’t quite make out the words, we did learn that the entire album was completed in May! Ariana’s been holding out on us for months!

15. When you have a voice like this — and lyrics like that — you don't need fancy graphics or even a video. Ari has entered the age of the audiogram.

__16. Some fans were asking how she kept the secret so well, to which she asked if we were wondering what else she’s got up her sleeve. __ (Yes. Yes we are, Ariana.)

17. The next teaser was a cute “Halloweeny” version of the cover art, done by a fan who she doesn’t name (but thanks!) Surprising nobody, the photo was edited to include cat ears and a little black nose. So Ari.

18. The “day 8” teaser featured Ariana propped up in a tunnel that actually looks a lot like a little pink moon… (She’s a cat again, in case you missed it.)

19. Two days later, Ari posted another version of the cover art… this time, next to Tom Felton, a.k.a Draco Malfoy!

20. The “day 5” teaser turned out to be the most promising of all, as Ariana tweeted a clip of the title track, featuring (as hinted!) the brass we were all hoping for.

21. For now, the latest post is more fan art – this time of the OG cover, featuring a more glossed-over, cartoonish version of the star, adorned with face painting akin to an avatar.

What’s coming next for the star and her single? Only time will tell. Set you Instagram alerts — the single officially drops on October 30th.

Related: Ariana Grande Just Gave Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez the Ultimate Compliment

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