Ariana Grande took center stage in a new TV special for the BBC, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing performance and candid interview. Titled “Ariana Grande at the BBC,” the hour-long program featured a 13-song setlist, as well as an insightful conversation with host Davina McCall.
As teased earlier in the week, Grande treated viewers to some of her biggest hits, including the empowering anthem “God is a Woman,” alongside other Sweetener selections like “No Tears Left to Cry” and “Pete Davidson,” paying tribute to her ex-fiancé and Saturday Night Live comedian. The proud owner of pet pig Piggy Smallz also graced the stage with renditions of “Love Me Harder” from 2014’s My Everything and “Dangerous Woman” from the album of the same name released in 2016.
Additionally, Grande surprised fans with her cover of Thundercat’s “Them Changes,” a rendition she previously debuted on BBC’s Live Lounge in September. Accompanied by an all-female orchestra and choir section, Grande’s performance celebrated the power of womanhood, echoing the empowering message found in “God is a Woman.”
During the interview segment, Grande opened up about her One Love Manchester benefit concert, which raised $13 million for the victims of the tragic May 2017 Manchester Arena attack. She also discussed her struggles with anxiety and the importance of mental health awareness.
“I almost feel guilty that I have it [anxiety] because it’s just in your head, and it’s just so crazy how powerful it is,” said Grande. “You have ups and downs and sometimes you’ll go weeks at a time where you will be crushing it and there will be no anxiety… and then something will happen that can trigger it and then you’ll have a couple of down days.”
“Talk to your loved ones, reach out to people, especially your friends online,” she added. “Reach out to each other.”
According to People, the BBC special was shot in London on September 7th, the same day collaborator and former boyfriend Mac Miller passed away. However, she reportedly hadn’t heard the news until after filming wrapped up.
