Ariana Grande Changed Manchester Benefit Concert Setlist Based On Wishes Of Victim's Mother

Ariana Grande’s One Love Manchester benefit concert saw a massive turnout as tens of thousands of fans attended the star-studded event, the proceeds of which were donated to victims of the May 22 bombing that left 22 people dead. Ahead of the gig, Grande reportedly changed the setlist after meeting with a victim’s mother who told the pop star her daughter would have wanted “to hear the hits.”

Olivia Campbell, 15, was among the 22 victims who died as a result of the Manchester bombing. Partway into her performance Sunday evening, the “Side to Side” singer told audience members that her setlist was decided after meeting with the girl’s mother, Charlotte Campbell.

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“I had the pleasure of meeting Olivia's mommy a few days ago,” the tiny pop star told the massive One Love audience. “As soon as I met her, I started crying. I gave her a big hug. And she said that I should stop crying because Olivia wouldn’t have wanted me to cry.”

“And then,” said the visibly emotional singer, “she told me that Olivia would have wanted to hear the hits.”

In a Monday interview with Good Morning Britain, Campbell revealed that the 23-year-old singer didn’t originally feel it was right to perform more upbeat dance songs for the event.

“She didn't feel it appropriate to play the big ones that everyone wanted to dance to,” she told hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid. “We said no, you play your hits, you sing your heart out, you make everyone get up and dance and smile and sing along with you. Don't you let anyone tell you not to do something.”

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Grande landed in the United Kingdom Friday to meet with victims and their families. The pint-sized singer was joined by her family and boyfriend Mac Miller, who joined her onstage in a duet for “The Way.” As TMZ reported Monday, Grande — whose benefit concert proceeds were originally estimated to top $3 million — raised more than $12 million for people affected by the terror attack earlier this month.

There was some uncertainty about whether the benefit concert would continue after Saturday’s attack at London Bridge and Borough Market that left at least seven people dead and dozens more injured. In a statement early Sunday morning, Grande’s manager Scooter Braun confirmed in a Twitter statement that the show would go on and with “more purpose.”

“After the events last night in London, and those in Manchester just two weeks ago, we feel a sense of responsibility to honor those lost, injured, and affected,” Braun said. “We plan to honor them with courage, bravery, and defiance in the face of fear. Today's One Love Manchester benefit concert will not only continue, but will do so with greater purpose. We must not be afraid, and in tribute to all those affected here and around the world, we will bring our voices together and sing loudly.”​​