American signer Ariana Grande is set to be given an honorary citizenship of Manchester under plans put forward by the city council.
The council is proposing a new system to recognise outstanding contributions to the city - for which Grande would be the first to receive the reward, reports the BBC.
Her efforts, following the traumatic events which occurred after her gig at the Manchester Arena on May 22, have seen her return to the city, visit injured concert-goers, and speak to the families of the 22 victims caught in the suicide bomber blast, as well as raise millions through a benefit concert.
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Ariana helped to organise the One Love Manchester concert, held at Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, which saw over 50,000 people buy tickets to watch artists such as Grande, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Coldplay and Liam Gallagher, perform.
It is estimated over £2 million was raised with all the artists performing for free.
Under the proposals for the new scheme, honorary citizenship could be granted to those outside of the Greater Manchester borders.
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There had already been a petition launched for Grande, only 23-years-old, to be given the Freedom of the City.
The petition organiser, Matthew Duggan, wrote: "Ariana Grande has inspired people up and down the country with her selfless acts of kindness.
"She didn't need to return to Manchester, after all she was a victim herself, but tonight she did and brought the nation to tears.
"For that I feel she should be granted the Freedom of the City of Manchester."
Council leader, Sir Richard Leese, said many people already consider Grande to be 'an honorary Mancunian.'
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He told the BBC: "This seems a fitting moment to update the way we recognise those who make noteworthy contributions to the life and success of our city.
"We've all had cause to be incredibly proud of Manchester and the resilient and compassionate way in which the city, and all those associated with it, have responded to the terrible events of 22 May - with love and courage rather than hatred and fear."
The council leader added that the city would hold an event later this year to recognise the selfless acts and demonstrations of community spirit in the aftermath of the atrocity.
The city witnessed a great coming together from the moment that the attack happened just after 10:30pm on May 22.
A vigil, held on the Tuesday immediately after, saw thousands cram into Albert Square in the city centre to unite, while over the next two weeks, hundreds lay flowers in St Ann's square as a mark of defiance against the terrorist attack.
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Poet Tony Walsh, who embodied Manchester pride at the vigil, told LADbible that the spirit of Manchester "will not be bombed out of us."
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Source: BBC
Topics: Manchester attack, Ariana Grande, Manchester