Love and unity is message as popstars sing in harmony...
THE world’s biggest popstars pledged their allegiance to Manchester during the incredibly emotional One Love benefit gig.
Stars from across the globe stood side by side with Ariana Grande to show their love for the city and pay tribute to those killed in last month’s atrocity.
Love and unity was the overriding message from Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Pharrell and the many others who took to the stage at Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground.
Opening the gig, Manchester boys Take That told everyone to ‘stand strong, look to the sky, sing loud and proud’ before belting out Rule The World.
A visibly choked up Ariana joined many of the stars on stage throughout the night.
As she joined the Black Eyed Peas for an emotional rendition of their famous hit Where Is The Love frontman Will.I.Am told the crowd “We will not be separated” as revellers chanted “we only got one love”.
Heartthrob Justin Bieber was welcomed with cacophonous applause as he took to the stage to perform Love Yourself.
He told the crowds: “What an amazing thing we are doing tonight, wouldn’t you agree?
“Would you agree that love always wins? What better way to fight evil than to fight evil with good?”
In a powerful speech, Pharrell told the crowds that ‘despite everything’: “I don’t smell, or feel, or see any fear in this building. All we feel is love, resilience, positivity.”
Even music legend Stevie Wonder sent a video message to the city insisting: “Love really is the way.
“I stand with you Manchester.”
In another recorded message David Beckham said the terror attack is a day he will never forget and added: “Tonight is about remembering those who suffered so much but also about celebrating this great city. “It’s a place we all love.” An energetic Miley Cyrus said Ariana had proved what a good role model she is for young women.
“I have always loved Manchester. It’s always felt like a home away from home for me,” she said.
“Everyone getting back on their feet, I’m so proud of you.”
Katy Perry said she was ‘honoured and humbled’ to be at the gig to ‘share and spread love’ and thanked Ariana for her ‘incredible courage and strength’.
She said: “It’s not always easy to chose love is it? Especially in moments like this. It can be the most difficult thing to do.”
Covering the Oasis classic Don’t Look Back In Anger, Coldplay joined Ariana on stage.
Frontman Chris Martin told the young popstar: “Ariana we wanna say thank you for being so strong and so wonderful.”
Liam Gallagher brought the house down with a surprise set.
The former Oasis frontman flew in straight from his appearance at German festival Rock im Park to perform.
The Burnage-born singer opened his set with Oasis hit Rock ‘n’ Roll star before performing new solo single Wall Of Glass.
He was then joined on stage by Chris Martin for a tear-jerking duet of Oasis hit Live Forever.
Ariana then returned to the stage to sing One Last Time with the other performers and finished the show with Somewhere Over the Rainbow.