Pop singer Ariana Grande will become the very first-ever honorary citizen of Manchester.
The 23-year-old will be bestowed the title thanks to her valiant efforts following the tragic events that transpire in the city following her concert.
The leader of the Manchester city council, Sir Richard Leese, told the BBC that they all wanted to officially recognise the work she put in following the May 22nd suicide bombing that resulted in 22 deaths and injured more than 100 others.
“This seems a fitting moment to update the way we recognize those who make noteworthy contributions to the life and success of our city,” he said.
Ariana hosted the One Love concert donating the proceeds to all the victims from the attack.
Manchester has given her title a lot of thought, adding “honorary citizenship” as one of the highest accolades a non-local can receive besides the “freedom of the city” award, which has only been given out four times since 2000.
Sir Richard also touched on how happy he was that his community responded with “love and courage” instead of hatred and fear.
“Ariana Grande exemplified this response,” he explained.
“I think many people would already consider her an honorary Mancunian and we would be delighted, if the council approves the proposal, to make it official.”
Despite 22 causalities and over 100 injured…
The city has banded together.
The American songstress put together an incredible charity gig, the One Love Manchester charity concert, which she hosted in Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
Some of music’s biggest names joined forces for the June 4 concert including Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber and Coldplay.
Addressing the crowd, Ariana said, “I want to thank you for coming together and being so strong. The kind of love and unity you’re displaying is the medicine the world needs right now.”
The concert helped raise over $AUD300, 000 for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.
