Ariana Grande was “very overwhelmed” after returning to perform in Manchester two years after a terror attack at her concert.

The singer headlined the city’s Pride event on Sunday night after 22 people were killed in the May 2017 bombing. 

Speaking to the crowd during the LGBTQ event, Ariana said: “I’m so happy to be with you, so thank you for having me. 

“Sorry, I’m so nervous. I had so much more to say but I’m really very overwhelmed. So thank you.”

She last appeared in the city in June 2017 at the One Love concert, which she organised to raise money for the emergency fund after the bombing at her Manchester Arena show the previous month.

Ariana posted a message on Twitter ahead of her Pride slot, saying: “On our way to manchester pride.

“love u so much. can’t wait to give u all our love.”

The singer added: “you’re my heart in every way. see u soon.”

Twenty-two people, including seven children, died when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a device as concert-goers began leaving Ariana’s show at the city centre arena. 

Ariana previously fended off criticism for headlining Manchester’s Pride event, after some  questioned whether she was the right booking, especially as ticket prices stood at £70.

After one thread went viral on Twitter suggesting the situation “kinda smells like exploitation of the lgbt community to me”, Ariana shared a long post on Twitter. 

“The LGBTQ community has been so special to me and supportive throughout my entire career,” she wrote. “The relationships I have with my LGBTQ fans, friends, and family make me so so happy.

“I want to celebrate and support this community, regardless of my identity or how people label me.”

“And also I wanna visit a city that means so much to me,” she added.

“I’m not claiming to be the hero of the community or the face of the LGBTQ rights movement – I just wanna put on a show that makes my LGBTQ fans feel special and celebrated and supported. That’s all I wanna do.”