Ariana Grande headlined the opening night of the 2016 Billboard Hot 100 Festival, and her Saturday night (Aug. 20) set was a short-but-sweet run through her most emblematic hits. “Problem,” “Dangerous Woman,” “Bang Bang” — they were all included, but for her debut smash, she welcomed a surprise performance from the same co-star who helped kick-start her career three years ago.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Yes, Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller made his way to Long Island, NY’s Nikon at Jones Beach Theater to perform his guest spot on Ariana Grande’s “The Way.” Like the set itself, the team-up was relatively brief, over in time to leave the beachside crowd wanting more. But no doubt, there was magic in the air. Check out a fan’s video of the collab below:
New Video – @ArianaGrande performing The Way with @MacMiller #Hot100Fest pic.twitter.com/YixhccWw5J
— ArianaWorldsUpdate? (@ArianatorSugar) August 21, 2016
Grande’s set was filled with her own dramatic vocal runs, guitar heroics from her backing band and fresh, easygoing choreo from her hoodie-clad dance crew. She opened with “Bang Bang,” making it clear she didn’t need her co-stars to make the 2014 single pop. After that, the slick, propulsive grooves of her recent radio hit “Into You” kicked in, and there was no turning back.
Check Out Photos From Billboard Hot 100 Fest 2016
Throughout the set, there was little between-song chatter, little pretense. After “Break Free,” she closed her set with “Dangerous Woman,” and left the stage to a frenzied reception.
Billboard Hot 100 Fest 2016: Ariana Grande, Fetty Wap, Rae Sremmurd & More Memorable Moments
We’re so into you. Into you, @ArianaGrande #hot100fest pic.twitter.com/oEvPHG4NOY
— billboard (@billboard) August 21, 2016