See Ariana Grande's Cozy 'Needy' Performance From The iHeartRadio Music Awards

Ariana Grande had to skip the iHeartRadio Music Awards on Thursday night (March 14) to continue prepping for her Sweetener Tour, however she did give fans the next best thing: a pre-recorded efficiency of the thank u, next standout "needy."


Grande's efficiency came soon after her Sweetener collaborator Pharrell introduced "needy" as being Ari's "next big hit." And judging by her intimate rendition of the echoing number, he could be right. Grande's feathery vocals were boosted by a gorgeous (and all-female!) Strings section, and, to absolutely no one's surprise, she basically sounded exactly like the studio version of the song.


Pharrell was also on hand to introduce Grande because the recipient of the Artist of the Year award, commending her for persevering immediately after so much personalized turmoil and giving fans "the best work of her career." He added of her 2018 accomplishments, "Who else could pull off a run like that?"


The singer, for her part, accepted the award in an abbreviated acceptance video, clutching the trophy and saying, "I so honored. I plan to sleep with this tonight."


Ultimately, Grande's efficiency of "needy" gives fans a solid teaser of what's ahead on her hotly anticipated Sweetener Tour, which kicks off on Monday. The wait is essentially over!