Ariana Grande returns to Manchester, holds concert,
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND — Ariana Grande returned to the city to pay tribute with an energetic, all-star concert featuring Justin Bieber, Katy Perry and Liam Gallagher two weeks after a suicide bombing killed 22 of her fans and injured dozens of others in Manchester, England.
Grande was emotional and teary-eyed throughout the One Love Manchester concert Sunday, which the British Red Cross said raised more than $13 million for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, created for those affected by the attack at Grande’s May 22 show.
She closed the three-hourplus event with a cover of “Over the Rainbow,” crying onstage at the song’s end as the audience cheered her on.
Gallagher, formerly of Oasis, earned loud cheers from the audience as he emerged in his home town in surprise form. He sang and offered encouraging words to the crowd, who held inspirational signs in their hands.
One of the most powerful moments was when the Parrs Wood High School Choir performed Grande’s “My Everything” with the singer. The 23-year-old pop star held the young lead performer’s hand, both with tears in their eyes, as the rest of the singers joined in.
Perry also left a mark with her resilient performance: She sang a stripped-down version of her hit, “Part of Me.” Backed by two singers and a guitarist, she delivered the song wearing all white.
“I encourage you to choose love even when it’s difficult. Let no one take that away from you,” she said.
Bieber shared similar words onstage, even coming close to crying when he spoke about God and those who died at Grande’s show.
Coldplay were also a crowd favorite, performing wellknown songs like “Viva La Vida” and “Fix You.”
Grande performed throughout the show, singing her hits from “Side to Side” to “Break Free.” She even collaborated with others onstage: She sang Fergie’s verse on the Black Eyed Peas hit, “Where Is the Love?” along with the group; she performed a duet with Miley Cyrus; and she sang her debut song, “The Way,” with rapper Mac Miller.
Take That, who are from Manchester, followed with fun energy that the crowd danced to.
“Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this,” singer Gary Barlow said. “We want everyone to stand strong.”
Robbie Williams also performed, changing some of his lyrics of “Strong” to honor the Manchester victims.
“Manchester we’re strong ... we’re still singing our song,” he sang with the audience of 50,000.
The One Love Manchester concert aired around the globe. Other performers included Little Mix, Niall Horan, Imogen Heap and Victoria Monet.