Today marks three years since Ariana Grande’s concert in Manchester, England, was targeted by a suicide bombing attack, which claimed the lives of 22 concert-goers and injured 139 others.
Ariana reflected on the heartbreaking events by sharing an open letter with fans, detailing how the events still weigh on her mind. “I want to take a moment to acknowledge and send my love to everyone that is feeling the sadness and tremendous heaviness of the anniversary coming up this week,” Grande expressed in a Wednesday note on her Instagram Stories. “not a day goes by that this doesn’t affect u and all of us still. i will be thinking of u all week and weekend.”
Concluding with a black heart and bee emoji, the singer promised, “My heart, thoughts, prayers are with u always.”
Following the May 22, 2017, attack, Grande partnered with the Red Cross to organize the One Love Manchester benefit concert, which welcomed performances from Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Coldplay and others. The benefit raised nearly $10 million for the families affected by the tragedy.
Meanwhile, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande’s Song “Rain on Me” dropped at midnight. Gaga has called “Rain on Me” a “celebration of all the tears,” and claims in a new Apple Music interview that rain doubles as a metaphor for all the alcohol she’s consumed to numb her pain. “I’d rather be dry, but at least I’m alive,” she sings throughout the song.
Lady Gaga and Grande spoke with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe about their collaboration, in an episode set to air today. “Her and I connected right away and she was so wonderful,” Gaga said, and Ariana added, “It feels so fun to be part of something so upbeat and straight pop again. It felt so good, and fun, and happy to dip a toe into her world a little bit… she made me feel so comfortable.”
“Rain on Me” follows the release of LP single, “Stupid Love,” which Gaga unveiled in February. In addition to Grande, the 16-song Chromatica features contributions from Elton John and Blackpink.