Over the past several days, Ariana Grande has proven herself to be a brave, admirable, caring young woman.
But the singer confirmed on Wednesday that she’s all set to be a “Dangerous Woman” once again, as she announced the resumption of the world tour by that name that she had previously placed on hold.
Prior to taking the stage in Paris last night, the 23-year old posted a photo on Instagram of the Eiffel Tower.
As a caption, she wrote that she’s still thinking of the 22 people who were killed at her concert in Manchester last month, along with the many dozens who were injured in this suicide bombing.
“First show back tonight. Thinking of our angels every step of the way,” she wrote, adding:
“I love you with all my heart. Grateful for and incredibly proud of my band, dancers and entire crew. I love you I love you.”
Shortly after this tragedy took place, Grande canceled scheduled tour stops in London, Belgium, Germany, Poland and Switzerland.
“We ask at this time that we all continue to support the city of Manchester and all those families affected by this cowardice and senseless act of violence,” said Grande in a statement at the time, continuing as follows:
“Our way of life has once again been threatened but we will overcome this together. Thank you.”
After taking a couple days to recover herself in Florida with loved ones, Grande followed up this postponement by putting together a benefit concert.
She titled it “One Love Manchester,” she returned to the scene of the awful crime for it and she invited a handful of famous friends along.
On June 4, Grande, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Chris Martin, Katy Perry and many others raised millions of dollars for the families of those who died in the May 22 bombing.
Grande closed this special show with a rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
And she’s now released the track to the public, with all proceeds also going toward the families of those who died in the attack or those who were wounded.
In almost every way, by nearly every possible measure, Grande has responded to this terrible event in the most impressive way one can.
Assuming all goes relatively well on her tour, the artist will next perform in Lyon on Friday.
Additional concerts are scheduled for June 11, 13, 15 and 17 to finish the European leg of the tour, prior to a 12-day break in advance of the Latin America stretch.
At last weekend’s benefit concert, Grande told the crowd at one point:
“I think the kind of love and unity we’re displaying is the medicine the world really needs right now.”
It’s true.
Grande is well aware that just singing a few songs cannot bring people back from the dead.
Those affected by this attack will continue to mourn and grieve.
But her return to the stage does send a message that one can’t back down in the face of terror, while also providing fans with a much-needed distraction and helping bring them together during a very difficult time in the world.
We applaud her.