Ariana Grande's dignified and heartfelt response to the Manchester attack is a moving testament to the power of music

Prior to the terrible events of this week, Ariana Grande was little more than a name I was dimly aware of. Perhaps she is too young, or I am too old but despite my affection for pop stars like Madonna, Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, I could not name a song by the woman who performed at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

As an avid Twitter user, my first port of call after hearing about the attack was to check Grande’s response. Her remarks did not appear in my timeline, nor did I read about them in an article; I specifically sought it out. And what I discovered moved me more than any trite display of mawkishness or extended press conference ever could.

Three lines, no capitals, displaying an authenticity and dignity almost unheard of in modern pop music. The words hit you where it hurts, a dignity and quiet sorrow that could not possibly have been the product of a social media team.

In an era where celebrities constantly give weak non-apologies for actual transgressions, this expression of genuine sorrow over an event for which the pop star could not be held the least bit responsible felt devastating. All this at 23, an age at which many still live with their parents.

I am a firm believer in the restorative power of pop music. Last summer, my wife’s waters broke 11 weeks early and we spent months in hospital fearing for the life of our first child. During this period, we had tickets to see the Pet Shop Boys. My wife insisted I still go for at least one night out.

I made my way to the Royal Opera House with my mind elsewhere but, for two hours, the band managed to distract me from the difficulties of real life. Elaborate outfits, remarkable choreography and some of the best tunes in the history of British popular music all helped, but really it came down to the fact that Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe understand something many of their contemporaries often forget: pop is supposed to be fun. “It’s alright”, they sang – and in the end it was.

Pop didn’t feel much fun on Monday night, and a young woman is left feeling guilty for doing a job that brings joy to millions. It is a burden she will carry for a long time but she – like Manchester – will not be defeated.

Manchester music legend Morrissey, by contrast, posted on Facebook about the attack on his city of birth without so much as an offer of condolence. It was an unhelpful and unnecessary comment on immigration – one that should come as no surprise from a man who labelled Nigel Farage a friend and “liberal educator” only last year.

Ariana Grande respectfully did not politicise the tragedy, but did do something the Smiths frontman once took great pride in and behaved in a manner that was entirely real.

She will get the help she needs and will play Manchester again one day. Like her natural response in the aftermath, that moment will be a thing of beauty.