Ariana Grande cries while performing concert in Mac Miller's hometown of Pittsburgh

The rapper died in September 2018

Ariana Grande paid tribute to her late ex-boyfriend Mac Miller while performing a concert in his hometown.

On Wednesday, Grande played an emotional concert in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the latest stop on her Sweetener world tour.

According to fans, prior to Grande taking the stage, the late rapper’s music was played in the stadium.

“At the Ariana Grande concert in pburgh and Mac’s album is playing throughout the stadium before the show,” one person tweeted.

Throughout her performance, fans also noticed the singer tear up while singing about Miller, who died in 2018 from an overdose.

During her first song, “Raindrops (An Angel Cried),” a song many believe to be about the late rapper, Grande choked up and was unable to continue singing.

The 25-year-old’s emotional response prompted fans to yell “You can do it Ari!”.

Grande also struggled while performing “Thank U, Next” and could be heard beginning to cry as she sang the lyrics: “Wish I could say ‘Thank you’ to Malcom / Cause he was an angel.”

As she continued the song, Grande received support and encouragement from the crowd, who cheered loudly for the singer as they sang along with the lyrics.

“In this moment, the city of Pittsburgh’s love for Malcom shined through so so so much. Everyone in this arena screamed it. The most special thing I have ever been a part of,” one fan wrote after the concert. “We miss u. We love u.

“Thank you for this, Ariana Grande. This city loves you.”

The singer has previously paid tribute to Miller, who died at the age of 26, on social media. Following his death, Grande wrote on Instagram: “I adored you from the day I met you when I was nineteen and always will. I can’t believe you aren’t here anymore. I really can’t wrap my head around it.

“We talked about this. So many times. I’m so mad, I’m so sad I don’t know what to do. You were my dearest friend. For so long. Above anything else. I’m so sorry I couldn’t fix or take your pain away. I really wanted to.

✕

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“The kindest, sweetest soul with demons he never deserved. I hope you’re okay now. Rest.”