Opinion: Is Ariana Grande's career 'broken'? If so, terror wins out

Ariana Grande is a popstar with power, even in the wake of a deadly attack (File)
Ariana Grande is a popstar with power, even in the wake of a deadly attack (File)

OPINION: In the wake of the hideous, deadly attack at Ariana Grande's Manchester concert, there is so much that hangs in the balance. One of those things is the career of the 23-year-old popstar. Grande wrote on Twitter that she was "broken" following the attack, but is this going to leave her career in tatters?

The ex-Nickelodeon pop sensation launched her Dangerous Woman tour in February this year. The tour was meant to have dates throughout Europe, South America, Asia and Australasia still to go.

As of yet, it's unconfirmed how much of this tour will go ahead, with reports she may cancel the rest of her European leg. Even if it does, there will be those that will choose not to go along, (naturally) afraid of what the world's eyes on crowds may bring. Other upcoming concerts from other artists may also take a hit.

Ariana Grande performing
(File)

In today's music world of Spotify streaming and ripped YouTube lyric videos, concert sales and touring can make up the bulk of a popstar's income. So the extent of this horrifying event might not be limited to within the walls of the Manchester concert venue. 

And that's how those "evil losers" (thanks for the only justifiable thing you've ever said Trump) win.

We can't let this be the end of the career of a popstar, because letting joy and fun and influential female figures fall victim to terrorism is exactly what's wanted from those that set out to create fear.

Don't underestimate Grande; she stands for so much that we need to fight for after an act of terror - female freedom, and also the general freedoms of music and expression.

Grande has sung frankly in the past about enjoying sex and liberation, and has actively gone up against commenters in the past who call her names or try and define her by her relationships with famous men. A tweet from December 2016 read: "expressing sexuality in art is not an invitation for disrespect !!! just like wearing a short skirt is not asking for assault." 

The vegan popstar has worked on animal rights' campaigns, adopted rescue dogs, and worked alongside MAC to launch a lipstick which saw proceeds going to people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS. She's been vocal in her efforts to stop online bullying.

She has made an effort to use her celebrity status to make a difference. So we can't let this be what she is remembered for, neither as an artist nor as a human being. Whatever the future brings, and at this point it remains to be seen, we need to put our weight behind Grande and not let this be the end of her career.

Sarah Templeton is a Newshub digital entertainment reporter.