The Positions singer, who titled herself as the new female president of the United States of America, delighted the Adult Swim Festival stage as she performed with Mac Miller's close friend, Thundercat.
Ariana Grande's tribute to the late Mac Miller
The 24-year-old American songstress, Ariana Grande, gifted her fans and Mac's when she suddenly appeared on stage at the virtually aired Adult Swim Festival on Nov. 14 (Saturday). Her appearance graced the music festival a rare collaboration between her and Thundercat, singing a duet of Them Changes.
According to Hollywood Life, Thundercat played the bass strings during the entire performance, and fans of the singers couldn't help but notice that the musician did the same routine for Mac Miller's What's The Use? performance at the rapper's Tiny Desk Concert with NPR Music.
The latter's performance took place a month before he died in Sept. 2018, and with the reminiscent gesture, fans were impressed that Ariana and Thundercat paid tribute to the late musician. On top of that, it is never a coincidence that Thundercat is a close pal of Ariana's former boyfriend, who passed away at 26 due to drug overdose.
In a statement o Thundercat, as reported by Vulture, he said, "It feels like Ariana and I are forever connected through Mac [Miller], and this is part of the healing process." The musician's words come after the duet he had with Ariana at the fundraising music festival.
The two singers graced the performance in front of the festival's screen animation, while the songstress harmonized the song with her acting as the backing vocals. She also sang the whole party of the piece's second verse, per NME.
Arian Grande and Thundercat's friendship
In the world of social media, the two musicians shared photos and videos of themselves, letting the world know that they have a solid bond. Ariana and Thundercat smile to the camera while wearing their matching leopard cat ears. They also wore the headpiece during their performance.
Thundercat posted a photo of him and Ariana on his personal Twitter account, while the Scream Queens actress shared a video of their performance on the same social media platform.
Love you too Ari. pic.twitter.com/O7ivwY9kE4
— ashy daddy (@Thundercat) November 14, 2020
thank u brilliant trio for having me love u always @thundercat https://t.co/uXZkysWIG7
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 14, 2020
Furthermore, the duet Ariana and Thundercat had at the Adult Swim Festival is not her first time singing and performing Them Changes. She first sang the song during one of her BBC Radio's Live Lounge guesting in the same month Mac died.
Ariana also mentioned Mac on her Thank U, Next song where she sang she is thankful for him as she was an angel to her.