The "One Love Manchester" Benefit Concert featuring Ariana Grande was the UK's most watched TV event of 2017, averaging 10.9 million viewers. The people of Manchester gathered in solidarity with the families of the victims of the suicide bombing that killed 22 people last month. The star-studded benefit concert was a great help in terms of bringing Manchester together in a time of grief. Those in attendance, including some of the artists, struggled to hold back their tears as they came together to inspire unity across the city.
‘One Love Manchester’: highest TV ratings in the UK for 2017
The “One Love Manchester” concert -- held on June 4th and led by Ariana Grande -- was the most watched TV event in the UK for 2017. The live telecast earned a 49.3 viewer's share. The viewer turnout averaged 10.9M, with the highest point recorded at 22.6M viewers.
The benefit concert, which also featured such artists as Coldplay, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Pharrell Williams, Take That, Robbie Williams and Black Eyed Peas, began at 7 PM local and was aired on BBC One. It also played live in over 50 countries through deals with BBC Worldwide.
One of the most powerful moments during the benefit concert was when the Choir from Parrs Wood High School performed Grande's "My Everything" with the singer.
The teary-eyed Ariana held the hand of the lead performer and both finished the emotional performance with the rest of the choir.
Around 50,000 people attended the benefit concert, with all proceeds going to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, created for those affected by the attack at Grande's May 22 show. It was set up by the Manchester City Council in partnership with the British Red Cross.
The concert lasted for three hours and was able to raise more than £10 million ($13 million).
Ariana Grande’s gratitude to the people of Manchester
An emotional Grande mostly kept her performance about the music. The artist had a brief comment for the audience when she thanked everyone for coming together and being so loving, strong and unified.
Grande expressed her love and adoration for all of her fans and thinks that the kind of love and unity her fans are displaying is the medicine that the world really needs now. She also thanked them for always being there, and for coming to her concert
Every artist had an emotional message, with the common themes of unity and love. Grande ended the concert with a heart-warming rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.”
