Video shows Ariana Grande crying while performing in Mac Miller's hometown

Ariana Grande has got it covered - she doesn't need any sympathy sent her way, or any more idle chatter about her former relationships - or at least, that's what one of her most iconic singles, 'thank u, next', would have you believe.

The track, which was dubbed the anti-cuffing anthem of the fall, sees Ariana break away from tried-and-true tropes surrounding breakups. Rather, she's chosen to embrace love, patience, and her newfound knowledge of how to handle pain ("that sh*t’s amazing") - with the intention to forge ahead with the most important relationship of them all: the one she has with herself.

The track does, however, touch on the songstress's relationship with the late Mac Miller, who tragically died of an accidental drug overdose in September of last year. Earlier this week, Ariana paid tribute to her ex-boyfriend while performing in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The night naturally proved to be emotional, with fans noticing that she teared up during several tracks.

During her first song, Raindrops (An Angel Cried) - which many believe to be about the rapper, Ariana choked up, and was unable to finish the track.

The 25-year-old's emotional response was greeted by support from the audience, with many yelling "You can do it Ari!"

Ariana also struggled while performing Thank U, Next, and could be heard starting to cry as she sang "Wish I could say ‘Thank you’ to Malcom / Cause he was an angel."

The crowd cheered and sang along as Ariana failed to finish 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 concert-goer later wrote on Twitter, while another corroborated "I’m so proud of her for actually doing the show, it was obviously a lot for here."

Ariana previously paid tribute to Mac, who died aged 26. After his death, she took to Instagram to write "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," she continued. "The kindest, sweetest soul with demons he never deserved. I hope you’re okay now. Rest."