It was a truly incredible moment: Ariana Grande this evening took to the stage for the first time since the May 22 attack that killed 22 of her fans, and injured many dozens more.
Ariana lined up after the likes of Robbie Williams, Pharrell, Miley Cyrus, Take That, and Niall Horan.
Taking to the stage at 8pm to an eruption of cheers from the crowd, the 23-year-old opened with Be Alright.
Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus cover “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” closing on the line “But you know they won’t win.” #OneLoveManchester pic.twitter.com/F2mYGOja5f
— Evan McMurry (@evanmcmurry) June 4, 2017
For the occasion, Ms Grande wore a white oversized jumped emblazoned with One Love Manchester. Her backing dancers had on complementary sweaters in black.
Certainly, the popstar showed no signs of nerves following the brutal terror attack at the Manchester Arena close-to two weeks ago.
“We love you so much” – an emotional Ariana Grande thanks fans at #OneLoveManchester concert https://t.co/5m1DDADb4H pic.twitter.com/gb8vy7OZZL
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) June 4, 2017
Ariana followed up with Break Free, before dashing off stage.
Shots of the gathered audience showed the sheer delight of the 50,000-strong crowd during her set.
The moment when Ariana Grande made an emotional return to the stage at #OneLoveManchester. @ArianaGrande @rtenews @RTE2 @RTE2fm pic.twitter.com/ZMIBIT8HKc
— Entertainment on RTÉ (@RTE_Ents) June 4, 2017
By the end a flood of pink streamers came down onto the stage as the spectators once again erupted. The star herself was, understandably, completely overcome with emotion.
“We will not be separated” ?@ArianaGrande, @BEP & @IamWill perform Where Is The Love ? #OneLoveManchester https://t.co/tyx4sbuzwR pic.twitter.com/2m3jeAj48N
— Capital (@CapitalOfficial) June 4, 2017
“What an incredible moment for Ariana Grande,” the BBC – official host broadcaster – said in response. “Such a big decision for her to stage this concert; a brave one. But you could see that she was relishing it – 50,000 people in this arena here in this crowd were too, and you could hear it.”
MY WHOLE HEART. I LOVE HER SO MUCH. SHES SO STRONG @ArianaGrande #OneLoveManchester pic.twitter.com/DgE464b32Q
— SEEING HARRY 9/30/17 (@daija_styles) June 4, 2017
Understandably, social media was gushing in the aftermath of the set; with many praising Ariana’s energy and talent.
Congratulations, Ariana! #OneLoveManchester
