Ariana Grande has spoken about the aftermath of last year’s Manchester terror attack during an emotional interview. Watch a clip of the discussion below.
- READ MORE: Ariana Grande – ‘Sweetener’ The NME review
The pop star had just come off stage at Manchester Arena on May 22 last year when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device. 22 people were killed, with 59 left injured.
Upon the release of the singer’s fourth album ‘Sweetener’ earlier this week, fans noticed a subtle tribute to victims of the attack within the record’s closing track. ‘Get Well Soon’ ends with 40 seconds of silence to bring the track’s running time to 5:22 – reflecting the date of the bombing.
Now, the 25-year-old artist has spoken about the meaning behind the song on Beats 1 – saying that it’s “about being there for each other and helping each other through scary times and anxiety.”
“I just wanted to do something to make people feel good – and less alone,” Grande said, adding that she “just wanted to give people a hug musically” with the track.
“I feel like the lyrics can be kind of corny when I talk about wanting to hug you and stuff, but I do,” she continued.
Speaking of her decision to continue her scheduled dates following the attack, Grande said: “You try not to give in to fear because obviously, that’s the whole point of being here – that was the point of finishing my tour. You want to not be afraid, because of course, that’s what [the terrorists] want. If you give them that, then they’ve won.
“But the truth is, it’s scary,” she added. “It’s scary going anywhere. You look at places differently.”
Meanwhile, Ariana Grande delivered a special tribute to Aretha Franklin during a performance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon earlier this week.