Ariana Grande’s anticipated fourth album Sweetener will be out this summer (July 20), and in a new interview, she discusses the symbolism of her album’s name.
The 24-year-old performer chose the title Sweetener to show fans that there can be triumph in the face of difficult situations, as she tells TIME. “When you’re handed a challenge, instead of sitting there and complaining about it, why not try to make something beautiful?” she says. The album and its lead single “No Tears Left to Cry” represent resilience following the tragic bombing during Grande’s concert in Manchester last May.
The video for “No Tears Left to Cry” paid homage to the victims with an image of a bee, a symbol for Manchester. Following the attack, Grande helped organize a benefit concert for the victims and survivors. She talked briefly about the May 22 incident, but refrained from going in-depth to avoid “giving it that much power.”
According to the interview, making peace with the situation has been a daily process for the star, but Grande told TIME that she is currently in a good place. “I’m happy. I’m crying, but I’m happy,” she said.
Grande will also be opening the Billboard Music Awards as a performer on May 20.
