Ariana Grande’s ‘Sweetener’ Tour Kickoff Included This Subtle Tribute to Mac Miller

Ariana Grande is continuing to keep Mac Miller’s memory alive. The singer kicked off her Sweetener world tour in Albany, New York on Monday, March 18, and before taking the stage, Grande played some of her late ex-boyfriend’s songs throughout the arena.

“Aaaaand they’re playing Mac Miller at the Ariana Grande concert,” one fan who was in attendance tweeted. “Not emotional no no no not at all.”

Another concert goer said that Miller’s tunes played “right before [Grande’s] opening song,” and noted how affective the moment was. “My heart can’t handle it SO MANY TEARS,” they tweeted. The tweets didn’t mention which song or songs of Miller’s played before the show.

The rapper died of an overdose at age 26 in September 2018. He and Grande dated from 2016 until early 2018, when Grande confirmed on social media that the pair had split, but remained good friends.

Grande hasn’t shied away from paying tribute to her ex and friend since his death; the public grieving has even drawn accusations of her of “milking” the rapper’s death. “It scares me the way some people think and I don’t like this world a lot of the time,” she wrote in response to the criticism. “If only we could be more compassionate and gentle with one another. That’d be sick. Everything I feel is valid and safe,” she continued. “Everything I do is genuine and honest. There is no right or wrong during this period.”

Following her major tour kickoff, an emotional Grande took to Twitter to thank her fans for their support. “i really dunno what to say yet,” she wrote alongside a clip of her performing her hit single “7 Rings.”

“for now, thank you will suffice. a dream come true typeeaa night. i love you. so much. thank you.” The Sweetener world tour will continue through October 2019, and will include a headlining gig at Coachella.

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(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)