Scorecard Research Beacon
Search Icon
Culture March 19, 2019

Ariana Grande opens 'Sweetener' tour with heartfelt tribute to Mac Miller

WATCH: Ariana Grande released a new song titled "Thank U, Next"

Months after Mac Miller died at the age of 26, his ex Ariana Grande is again paying homage to the man she's called an "angel" in one of her most popular songs.

Miller dated Grande from 2016 to 2018. After he died late last year, Grande included a line about the late rapper in her breakout hit "thank u, next."

(MORE: Rapper Mac Miller is dead at 26)

Her tour for "Sweetener" kicked off on Monday night in New York and fans were sharing how the venue was playing Miller's classic hits as they awaited for Grande to take the stage.

pic.twitter.com/jDWYsFQMaq

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) March 19, 2019

"Ariana grande is playing Mac Miller right before her opening song for sweetener tour rn and my heart can’t handle it SO MANY TEARS," one fan wrote. Another added, "Ariana grande had Mac Miller’s music playing while people got into their seats for her concert."

Ariana grande is playing Mac Miller right before her opening song for sweetener tour rn and my heart can’t handle it SO MANY TEARS

— gabi (@gabidaviss) March 19, 2019
(MORE: Ariana Grande slams troll who questions her mourning of ex Mac Miller)

Ariana grande had Mac Miller’s music playing while people got into their seats for her concert ????????

— Haley (@HaeKolb) March 19, 2019

Miller was a strong source of support for Grande over the time they dated, especially after the 2017 Manchester bombing. He also performed with her at her One Love Manchester benefit concert later that year.

After splitting from Miller, Grande was engaged to "SNL" comedian Pete Davidson. The two broke off their engagement a few months later.

Grande took to Twitter after the show to share her gratitude to her fans.

"My mind is all over the place and v emotional. thank u. i don’t know what i’m posting rn tbh. at all. i’ll hit u tomorrow bc.... tonight was too much. thank you thank you thank you. i love you," she tweeted.

i really dunno what to say yet. for now, thank you will suffice. a dream come true typeeaa night. i love you. so much. thank you. @alfredoflores pic.twitter.com/7CiLiusqF8

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) March 19, 2019