Fans in tears as Ariana Grande performs 'No Tears Left To Cry' ahead of Manchester anniversary

Ariana Grande performed her brand new single 'No Tears Left To Cry' at the Billboard Music Awards 2018 yesterday. Whilst the song, released last month, doesn't explicitly mention the tragedy of the Manchester bombing last year, the message of resilience is quite clear.

Taking to the stage in an all-black outfit, Ariana sang her heart out - and the emotional poignancy wasn't lost on anyone.

As we approach the first anniversary of the tragic Manchester attack, Ariana's outfit may have been all-black in a respectful move - but it was a fun and powerful performance, possibly to encourage the survivors of the attack to stay positive and not let their lives be dictated by the events of that evening.

On the 22nd May 2017, 22 lives were tragically cut short. The victims were Alison Howe, Angelika Klis, Chloe Rutherford, Eilidh MacLeod, Elaine McIver, Georgina Callander, Jane Tweddle, John Atkinson, Liam Curry, Lisa Lees, Marcin Klis, Kelly Brewster, Megan Hurley, Michelle Kiss, Nell Jones, Olivia Campbell-Hardy, Saffie Roussos, Sorrell Leczkowski, Wendy Fawell, Courtney Boyle, Philip Tron and Martyn Hett.

Fans were utterly in awe of Ariana's performance, and took to Twitter to praise the singer.

The awards, which took place in Las Vegas on 20th May, was the 25th Billboards ceremony and was itself caught at an emotional time, as only two days earlier 10 people had lost their lives in a school shooting in Santa Fé, Texas.

Host Kelly Clarkson couldn't hold back the tears as she addressed the audience, "Once again we are grieving for more kids that have died for just absolutely no reason at all."

She told the audience that she'd been asked to do a moment's silence for the victims, but that she was "so sick" of doing them as it wasn't "working."

She went on, "So why don't we do a moment of action? A moment of change?" before adding that parents should be able to "send their kids to school" without being scared for their lives.

Ariana stayed away from music after the attack, understandably spending time with her family and close friends as she recovered from the emotional trauma - however, she returned to the studio late last year.

She took to Instagram to thank her fans for their support, writing that she 'hoped this song brings you light and comfort' before adding, 'But also makes you wanna dance and live ya best life! I am so excited for this new chapter with you all. thank you for this beautiful start.' sic

Ariana gave her first TV interview since the attack earlier this month, speaking on The Jimmy Fallon Show in the US about what happened.

The 24-year-old had to fight to hold back tears as host Jimmy praised her for her attitude following the terrible events.

She also confirmed that her new album, entitled 'Sweetener', was in part a tribute to the victims, "It's kind of about bringing light to a situation, or to someone's life, or someone else who brings light to your life."

Ariana also chose to add in a nod to those affected by the attack in the music video for 'No Tears Left To Cry' by featuring the Manchester bee, which flies off at the end of the video.

Key 103 will observe a minute's silence on air at 2.30pm to remember the victims and survivors of the tragedy.

As the first anniversary of the attack draws near, our thoughts are with those affected. ❤️ 🐝