MEAWW.COM / ENTERTAINMENT / MUSIC

Ariana Grande makes history twice at Coachella overcoming hurdles from struggling with PTSD to emotional break-ups

The 25-year-old musician made her mark in history twice in the same night, becoming the youngest artiste to headline Coachella and the fourth woman to do so, after Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Björk

Ariana Grande made history not once, but twice at Coachella 2019 on Sunday, as the first weekend of the festival came to an end. Spanning over three days (April 12-14), the festival saw headlining performances from Ariana, Tame Impala and Childish Gambino, and invigorating sets from artistes like Billie Eilish, Janelle Monáe, BLACKPINK and Bad Bunny. Sunday night saw Ariana destroy the stage at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, as she performed a two-set headliner in her signature knee-length boots, skater miniskirt and high ponytail.

Following Ariana's performance, the hashtag #Arichella was trending for hours on Twitter, and for good reason too. The 25-year-old musician made her mark in history twice in the same night, becoming the youngest artiste to headline Coachella and the fourth woman to do so, after Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Björk. Beyonce had delivered a groundbreaking and history-making performance at Coachella 2018 as the first woman-of-color to headline the festival. The pyramid-shaped stage from the Beychella performance is on display at the venue this year.

Ariana took forth the legacy of powerful women headlining Coachella with her performance and this takes on greater significance for fans as it comes after multiple professional triumphs and personal struggles for the artiste. Her 2019 hit album 'Thank U, Next' just had the largest streaming week for a pop album in music history. The song's video was a massive hit too, breaking the record for the most-watched music video in YouTube within a 24-hour window.

Before this, in February, she became the first ever to occupy No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 positions simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart since The Beatles did it in 1964.

Ariana's professional success over the last year and a half has been marred by personal trials that she had to endure. In October, Ariana broke off her engagement to 'SNL' performer Pete Davidson. This came just a month after her ex, rapper Mac Miller, died at the age of 26. Ariana also recently opened up about her struggle with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) which developed after the Manchester Arena suicide bombing that killed 22 people at her concert in the United Kingdom in May 2017.

The Arichella performance comes after another career milestone for the young artiste — she won her first-ever Grammy in February, taking home the award for Best Pop Vocal Album for her 2018 album 'Sweetener'.

Kicking off her 26-song set with 'God is a Woman', Ariana enthralled the crowd while also bringing in guest performances from Nicki Minaj, Diddy and Mase. Audio issues did not stop Minaj as she performed 'Side to Side' and 'Bang Bang' with Ariana. Meanwhile, Diddy and Mase paid tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. with their performance of 'Mo Money Mo Problems'.

Ariana's performance was embellished by a reunion of the '90s boy band *NSYNC too, although frontman Justin Timberlake was notably missing. The absence was not acknowledged as Ariana sang Timberlake's parts in their hit single 'Tearin' Up My Heart'. "I've been rehearsing my whole f***ing life for this moment," Ariana said as she brought the band on stage. Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Lance Bass also joined in for a part of her performance of 'Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored', to loud cheering from the audience.

The musician's headlining event came to an end with her performance of 'Thank U, Next.' While on stage, Diddy spoke fondly of Ariana, and said: "She's been through a whole lot. She's still standing."

The crowd agreed, and Arianators have never been so moved.

Coachella weekend two will be held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California from April 19 to 21.