The pop star was a surprise guest during Thundercat’s set at the first-ever live-streamed edition of Adult Swim Festival.
Ariana Grande miraculously appeared to perform with Thundercat last night.
Backed by DOMi on keys, JD Beck on drums, and a kaleidoscopic graphic of Aqua Teen Hunger Force‘s Meatwad in full float, the pop star joined the Brainfeeder bassist for a twisted live duet of his 2015 smash, “Them Changes,” trading harmonies and taking turns on the verses for a segment of Thundercat’s Adult Swim Festival performance.
This year’s festival is being live-streamed for the first time ever. Last night’s performances included sets from Kamasi Washington and Kaytranada, along with panel discussions and watch parties for Samurai Jack, Three Busy Debras, and The Eric Andre Show. Tonight’s program features performances from Open Mike Eagle and Rico Nasty, with panels and live watch parties slated for Rick and Morty, Tuca and Bertie, Lazur Wolf, and more. Grande’s appearance follows the recent release of her new album, Positions, which featured contributions from Doja Cat, The Weeknd, Ty Dolla $ign, and more. It’s currently sitting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. All 14 tracks from the album are occupying slots of the Hot 100 chart with the title song firmly placed at No. 2.
While not charting on the same scale, Thundercat released his fourth studio album, It Is What It Is, at the top of 2020. It featured appearances from Childish Gambino, Steve Lacy, and former Slave frontman, Steve Arrington, on the lead single “Black Qualls,” with additional support from Lil B, Zach Fox, and Flying Lotus elsewhere on the project.
Watch Ariana Grande and Thundercat’s twisted performance of “Them Changes” below. Head over to Adult Swim for the full schedule of today’s events and panels.
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 14, 2020