- Music
- 13 Jul 17
Manchester councillors voted unanimously yesterday to make Ariana Grande the first honorary citizen of Manchester.
The motion passed after the 23-year-old American singer organised a benefit concert for the victims of the terrorist attack at her concert in the city in May.
Council leader Sir Richard Lease put forward the motion to solidify Grande's connection with Manchester, saying her decision to return to the city to perform "brought comfort to thousands."
"We've all had cause to be incredibly proud of Manchester and the resilient and compassionate way in which the city responded to the terrible events of May 22 with love and courage rather than hatred and fear," Lease told the Daily Star. "Ariana exemplified this response."
"I'm moved and honored," the singer said on Instagram. "My heart is still very much there."
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Grande's "One Love Manchester" show came two weeks after a terrorist attack on her concert in the Manchester Arena that killed twenty-two people and injured hundreds.
The singer had a massive lineup, including Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Liam Gallagher and others. Millions of people around the world tuned in to watch the emotional gig at Manchester's Old Trafford Cricket Ground.