Here’s Why Ariana Grande Was Forced to Cancel Her Secret BRITs Manchester Memorial Set
Viewers of the 2018 BRITs were denied one especially emotional set, according to reports, as Ariana Grande — who'd been planning a surprise tribute to the victims of the May 2017 explosion at her Manchester, England show — was forced to pull out at the last minute because of reported sickness.
BRIT Awards chief executive Geoff Taylor confirmed to the BBC that Grande was supposed to appear beside the likes of Dua Lipa and Stormzy, but couldn't.
“We think it’s really important to recognize that terrible atrocity and the impact on so many lives, so I can confirm we did have Ariana Grande lined up to make a performance tonight,” he said. “Unfortunately she was not able to travel on doctor’s orders, she’s not well."
Instead, Liam Gallagher of Oasis stepped in to honor the victims of the massacre, which killed 22 people and left dozens more injured.
Grande previously honored the victims of the Manchester bombing with a June 2017 memorial show at the Lancashire Cricket Club's Old Trafford ground. The show also included sets delivered by Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Pharrell, Take That, Little Mix and more artists.
Grande was later named the very first honorary citizen of Manchester by the The Manchester City Council for her efforts to aid those who'd been suffering after the attack.
“We’ve all had cause to be incredibly proud of Manchester and the resilient and compassionate way in which the city, and all those associated with it, have responded to the terrible events of 22 May, with love and courage rather than hatred and fear," Sir Richard Leese said, according to The Guardian.
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