But that's what made this performance so beautiful to watch. She was real, raw and proud of her craft, despite emotions and giggles often times getting the better of her. She wasn't afraid to make mistakes, in fact, she embraced them and as a result, she spread a poignant message to the millions of fans who— since the days of Disney— have followed her every move.
Life isn't perfect. It's ok to be vulnerable. Learn to embrace your flaws.
I'll admit, there was a brief period in my life where I wasn't a huge fan of the two-time Grammy nominee. But between the Manchester bombings that took place at the 25-year-olds concert in May last year, the tragic and unexpected death of her beloved ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, and the breakdown of her engagement to Saturday Night Live comedian Pete Davidson, I changed my tune.
While navigating her way through unimaginable pain and loss, the young talent (somehow) managed to gracefully move on with her life and along the way helped others get help.
Earlier this week, Grande admitted that therapy saved her life, on countless occasions. With one Tweet she destroyed the omnipresent stigma that has always had a firm grip around the topic of mental health and what it means to ask for help.
"In all honesty, therapy has saved my life so many times. If you're afraid to ask for help, don't be. You don't have to be in constant pain and you can process trauma," she proudly wrote. "I've got a lot of work to do but it's a start to even be aware that it's possible."
By sharing her struggles on a platform that reaches the masses, Twitter users began to open up about their feelings towards therapy, encouraging those who are suffering to no longer do so in silence.
In an 18-month period that has undeniably been riddled with adversity, Grande has overcome her fear of performing live, released an introspective (and multi-award-winning) album titled, Sweetener, dropped a breakup anthem that every girl with a healing heart has been playing on repeat since its release, and has been crowned Billboard's 2018 Woman of the Year.
She is using her voice at the right times and for the right reasons. How she handles her healing wounds and heavy baggage inspires others to do better and be better.
No doubt, Ariana Grande is living proof that silver linings exist, things get better, and 'all you gotta do is keep on breathin'.
