Fans detected Billie Eilish in Ariana Grande’s MV “we can’t be friends”: Hidden collaboration or reference to a woman vs. woman romance?

Ariana Grande is back in the spotlight with the release of her music video “we can’t be friends (wait for your love),” a visually stunning and emotionally charged piece that has left fans speculating about hidden messages and possible collaborations. The most intriguing theory? A character in the video bears a striking resemblance to Billie Eilish, leading fans to believe the two megastars may be working on something together. Even more interestingly, could this be Ariana’s first time exploring an LGBTQ+ romance in her lyrics? Let’s break down the MV, analyze the speculation, and discuss what this could mean for pop music.

The Emotional Depth of “we can’t be friends”

Released on March 8, 2024, the song is part of Ariana’s highly anticipated album, “Eternal Sunshine”—a project filled with emotional storytelling, introspection, and synth-heavy production. As soon as the video dropped, fans were quick to analyze every frame, uncovering potential Easter eggs and underlying narratives. The song’s lyrics and tone reflect the sorrow and acceptance that come with realizing a relationship is beyond repair. Ariana uses a dreamy yet melancholic mix of synth-pop, Europop, electropop, and power pop, blending elements of EDM to create an immersive sonic experience. It’s the kind of song that lingers, leaving listeners feeling nostalgic about love lost. But it’s the music video that has truly captured the internet’s imagination.

A Sci-Fi Love Story—Or Something Deeper?

Directed by Christian Breslauer, the MV for “we can’t be friends” takes clear inspiration from the iconic 2004 film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The video follows a storyline where Ariana’s character undergoes a procedure to erase painful memories of a past love. Actor Evan Peters plays her former partner, adding an extra layer of depth and emotion to the visual narrative.

Key Visual Themes in the MV

1. Memory Erasure & Heartbreak

   • Ariana is seen lying on a futuristic medical chair, hooked up to a machine meant to erase her painful memories.
   • Scenes transition between joyful flashbacks and harsh realities, creating a contrast between love and heartbreak.

2. Surreal & Dreamlike Aesthetics

   • The video’s washed-out pastel tones, soft lighting, and blurred focus evoke a dreamlike quality, enhancing its emotional depth.
   • The storytelling method mirrors Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, reinforcing the idea of selective memory removal.

3. A Billie Eilish Lookalike?

   • Fans were quick to spot a mystery woman in the background, with a silhouette and style eerily similar to Billie Eilish.
   • The resemblance is so strong that it has fueled speculation about a possible hidden collaboration or reference to an LGBTQ+ romance.

The Billie Eilish Connection—Accidental or Intentional?

The potential Billie Eilish cameo (or lookalike) has sparked intense debate online. Could this be a hint at an upcoming collab? Or is Ariana subtly addressing rumors of a past connection between the two?

Why Fans Think It’s Billie Eilish

• Visual Similarity: The mystery character sports oversized clothing, dark hair, and a downcast expression—a signature look of Billie Eilish.
• Blink-and-You-Miss-It Appearance: The fact that the character isn’t explicitly shown but is just there adds an aura of mystery.
• Lyrical Interpretation: While the lyrics don’t explicitly reference another woman, some fans believe the song could have queer subtext, opening the possibility for a deeper interpretation.

Could This Be Ariana’s First LGBTQ+ Love Story in Music?

While Ariana Grande has always been an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, she has never explicitly written a song about a queer romance. But fans are now wondering if “we can’t be friends” is subtly introducing this theme.

Possible Clues

• The Gender Neutrality of the Song: Unlike some of her previous songs that use gender-specific pronouns, “we can’t be friends” leaves space for interpretation.
• The Billie Eilish Theory: If the mystery woman in the MV is indeed Billie Eilish (or represents a female love interest), this could be the first time Ariana hints at a same-sex relationship in her music.
• Her History of LGBTQ+ Representation: Ariana has been vocal about her support for the community, with songs like “Break Your Heart Right Back” subtly addressing bisexuality.

Collab on the Horizon? What a Billie x Ariana Project Could Mean

If Ariana and Billie Eilish are indeed teaming up, it could be one of the most unexpected yet iconic collabs in pop history.

Why It Would Be Groundbreaking

1. Two Different Styles, One Unique Sound

   • Ariana’s polished, ethereal vocals + Billie’s haunting, breathy delivery? A match made in musical heaven.

2. Lyrical Depth & Emotional Storytelling

   • Both artists have a knack for deeply personal songwriting, which could result in a powerful, introspective song.

3. Breaking Boundaries in Pop Music

   • A song exploring themes of heartbreak, queer love, or mental health from their perspectives would be a game-changer.

Could “we can’t be friends” be the prelude to a full-blown Ariana x Billie track? Only time will tell.

Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Ariana & Billie?

While nothing is confirmed yet, the speculation surrounding the MV has undeniably generated major buzz. Whether it’s an upcoming collab, an artistic nod to Billie, or a hint at Ariana’s first LGBTQ+ love story, one thing is clear—Ariana knows how to keep fans talking. What do you think? Could this be the start of an Ariana x Billie era? And is pop music finally getting the LGBTQ+ love story it deserves? Stay tuned—because if Ariana and Billie are cooking up something, the world isn’t ready for what’s coming next.