Ariana Grande Is Returning to Manchester for a Special Pride Performance
Ariana Grande is heading back to Manchester to headline Manchester Pride 2019 just two years after the devastating terrorist attack that killed 22 people at one of her concerts.
Back in December, the "thank u, next" singer teased a "special Manchester show" and now we know exactly what it is. This will make the first time Grande has performed in the city since her One Love concert in June 2017. She organized the event just weeks after the attack, which featured stars like Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and Mac Miller. Now, she'll be returning to perform this summer in what will likely be an emotional show.
“This year marks a big change for the festival as it continues to evolve," chief executive Mark Fletcher said. “Previously we had one event running over the weekend and this year we have two, each with a distinct offering. At Manchester Pride Live we’re truly honored to be welcoming Ariana back to the city to help us celebrate LGBT+ life."
Grande confirmed the news herself via Twiter on Monday (Feb. 25), writing, “Manchester babes, I’m so thrilled to be headlining pride. My heart. I can't wait to see u and I love u so so much.”
She also tweeted the bumblebee emoji, which is a reference to the working bee—the emblem that proudly symbolizes Manchester's hard-working past. Following the attack, Grande paid tribute to the victims by having a bee tattooed behind her left ear, as well as featured a bee in her "No Tears Left to Cry" music video.