Ariana Grande has said she was “completely overwhelmed” after performing again in Manchester two years after a suicide bomber killed 22 people at one of her concerts.
The 26-year-old singer last sung in the city at the June 2017 One Love concern, which she organised to raise money for an emergency fund following the terror attack the previous month.
Grande told the crowd at Manchester Pride – which she was headlining – that she was “so nervous” to be back performing in the city.
“I had so much more to say but I’m really very overwhelmed. So thank you,” she told the audience on Sunday night.
‘I love Manchester so much’
The US pop star – whose hits include Dangerous Woman and Thank U, Next – said she could not wait to give the audience “all our love. You’re in my heart in every way,” she added. “See you soon.”
Read More:
In an emotional address to her fans at the Mayfield depot, Grande told fans: “I love Manchester so much, thank you so much for having me back.
“I’m so happy to be here with you – it means the world – so thank you for having me.
“I’m sorry, I’m so nervous, I had so much more to say but I’m like very overwhelmed so thank you. Happy, happy, happy Pride – it’s so beautiful, I love you so much.”
Honorary citizen
Grande performed a 35-minute set at the venue, which is less than a mile away from Manchester Arena, where the 2017 bombing took place.
She was made an honorary citizen of Manchester after the attack and has since spoken about suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety in its aftermath.
Twenty-two people, including seven children, died when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a device as concert-goers began leaving her show at Manchester Arena on 22 May 2017.
Additional reporting from Press Association.
