After a unanimous vote, Ariana Grande is officially an honorary citizen of Manchester.
After Ariana put on her One Love Manchester benefit concert which raised millions of dollars for the Manchester Arena victims and their families, the city felt they needed to do something for her. Ariana not only brought the community together in a time of tragedy and loss but she also displayed incredible courage. There were rumors that she was up for the top spot in becoming an honorary citizen of the city and now it's official.
City Council leader Richard Leese said described the Dangerous Woman singer as, "a young American woman for whom it would have been understandable if she never wanted to see this place again."
He continued, "But no - instead she, as an artist, a performer, was determined that she would not perform again until she had returned to Manchester to perform.
In doing so, she brought comfort to thousands, she raised millions for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund and became the first patron of that fund. And that’s why I propose that Ariana Grande is made the first honorary citizen of the city of Manchester."
Families who lost loved ones in the attacks were at the meeting and they were told, "You are forever in the hearts of Manchester and its people." The seven children and the 15 others who were killed had their names read in a moment of silence during the meeting as well.
The attacks that took place on May 22, 2017, a suicide bomber detonated a bomb in the lobby of the Manchester Arena following Ariana's performance. It was a nightmare. Not only were 22 people killed but over 50 were injured as well. There was chaos and complete madness. Nothing like that had ever happened before and Ariana knew she needed to help.
She put her tour on hold and got some of the biggest artists in music to come to Manchester and play a huge benefit concert.
This article originally appeared on j-14.