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Wednesday, February 21, 2018 12:27pm ET by  
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Ariana Grande forced to pull out of Brits performance due to illness

Ariana Grande has been forced to pull out of a surprise Manchester Arena bombing tribute performance at the Brit Awards due to illness.

The US pop star was set to take to the stage at the ceremony as part of a tribute for the victims of the attack which took place at her concert in May last year. Grande’s Manchester concert was targeted by a suicide bomber who stole the lives of 22 people when he detonated an explosive device as fans were leaving the venue.

However, Geoff Taylor, the chief executive of the Brit Awards, has confirmed that Grande is unable to travel to the UK due to illness, saying: “We think it’s really important to recognise that terrible atrocity and the impact on so many lives so I can confirm we did have Ariana Grande lined up to make a performance tonight.

“Unfortunately she was not able to travel on doctor’s orders, she’s not well, and I can say that there will be something tonight, I can’t say any more than that but people should tune in and watch.

“And hopefully it will be a fitting remembrance and recognition of what happened, which was so terrible.

“People went out to enjoy music, music is such a unifying force for all of us and a terrible thing happened, and it’s important that we remember that.”

Grande returned to Manchester two weeks after the tragedy to host the One Love Manchester benefit concert. It was watched by millions worldwide and raised more than £10 million to help the victims and their families.

This year's Brit Awards nominations are led by Dua Lipa, with a total of five. The most glitzy night in British music is due to be held at London’s O2 Arena.

Watch videos from Ariana Grande's One Love Manchester benefit concert, below:

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