Ariana Grande will become the first person named as an honorary citizen of the city of Manchester in July after her unbelievable work staging the One Love Manchester concert, a benefit concert to raise money for the victims of the city’s terror attack on May 22.
The 23-year-old singer will be honored for “a great many selfless acts and demonstrations of community spirit.”
“This seems a fitting moment to update the way we recognize those who make noteworthy contributions to the life and success of our city”. Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese said, according to BBC News.
Leese expressed his gratitude and pride towards the people of Manchester. Especially, for responding to the attacks “with love and courage rather than hatred and fear.” He said that Ariana Grande was the best example for that behavior. “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.”
Ariana Grande’s benefit concert raised $3 million
Grande’s honorary comes after raising almost $3 million with the One Love Manchester concert. 50,000 people attended the massive concert and millions got to watch the live transmission. The concert gathered artists like Miley Cyrus, Coldplay, Noel Gallagher, Justin Bieber, Robbie Williams, and more at the Old Trafford cricket ground.
The concert took place two weeks after suicide bomber left 22 people dead – including seven children – and over 100 injured at the end of an Ariana Grande’s concert at the Manchester Arena.
Besides organizing the concert, the singer also visited injured fans in the hospital.
Grande’s honorary citizenship is an attempt of the city to begin a plan that will update their system in which non-citizens are honored for their contributions to Manchester. The highest honor for civilians will remain the “freedom of the city”. It has only been awarded four times since 2000.
The singer took to Instagram to thank her fans for all the support towards her and all victims of the attack.
The plans will go before the council on 12 July.