photo via billboard

After the horrific tragedy at Ariana Grande’s May 22^nd Manchester show, the singer immediately coordinated a very touching tribute concert to remember the victims of the suicide bombing. The show’s message stood strong – unity and resilience. Around 50,000 people attended the show, not to mention an average of 10.9 million viewers also tuned into the livestream, making it the UK’s most watched TV program of the year. A slew of popstar royalty joined Grande on the stage, including Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Coldplay, Pharrell Williams, Liam Gallagher, Take That, Robbie Williams and Black Eyed Peas.

An emotional Grande thanked the audience for “coming together and being so loving and strong and unified.”  “I love you guys so much and I think that the kind of love and unity you’re displaying is the medicine the world really needs now so I want to thank you for being just that and I want to thank you for coming tonight.”

No leotards or costumes, no fancy set designs, Grande stayed close to her fans wearing jeans and a One Love Manchester sweatshirt. She performed an array of her most loved pop ballads and an emotional cover of Somewhere Over The Rainbow. 

The show raised $2.6 million for those affected by the bombing that claimed 22 lives. While Grande and her circle recognize this can never make up for the lives taken, she has shown great bravery. To take the stage just two short weeks following the attack, speaking for those who no longer can, we applaud her on her incredible support.