Ariana Grande calls America 'the best country in the world' as she returns to stage for first time since 'Donutgate' in sexy heart-shaped bodysuit
Ariana Grande is singing a new tune after her Donutgate scandal.
The singer, 22, told fans she's 'grateful' to be in America as she returned to the stage for the first time since the infamous donut-licking video.
Grande wore a heart-shaped bodysuit with flirty peplum skirt, sexy boots and lacy bunny ears as she kicked off the second leg of her Honeymoon Tour in Tampa, Florida on Thursday.
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No problem here: Ariana Grande performs on stage in Tampa, Florida as she kicks off the second leg of her Honeymoon tour
'I'm so grateful to be performing here in the USA, the greatest country in the world,' video showed the pint-sized star telling the roaring crowd.
Thursday's concert at Amalie Arena was the Problem singer's first performance since video of her saying she 'hates America' and licking donuts surfaced over the Fourth of July weekend.
In the clip, Grande is heard saying, 'What the f*** is that? I hate America. I hate Americans,' while visiting Wolfee Donut shop in Lake Elsinore, California with her backup dancer and new love Ricky Alvarez.
Security footage captured the singer quickly licking two donuts before placing them back on a tray to be served to customers.
In concert: The One Last Time singer performs with backup dancer and new love Ricky Alvarez, who was also seen secretly licking donuts in the infamous video
Back in business: The hit maker wore lace bunny ears and a bodysuit with heart-shaped bodice
The video sparked a massive backlash and left the singer scrambling in damage-control mode.
After the scandal broke, Grande cancelled her appearance at the MLB All-Star Concert in Cincinnati, blaming emergency surgery on her wisdom teeth.
She also released a statement insisting her remarks were said in anger over Americans' unhealthy lifestyles and eating habits, and were not a reflection of her patriotism.
The former Sam & Cat actress said she was 'extremely proud to be an American,' and regretted her 'choice of words.'
New love: The Florida native shared an on-stage moment with backup dancer and new beau Alvarez
And in a YouTube apology video to fans, she admitted to being 'disgusted with myself' after watching the clip.
On Thursday, the singer did her best to put the debacle behind her as she pranced on stage with new love Alvarez.
The pair showed off their chemistry, leaning in close and sharing a smile.
Petite Grande accentuated her curves in a skimpy black bodysuit with cute heart cut-out bodice and a flirty black and clear peplum skirt that showed off her fishnet stockings and garter belt.
Sexy style: The petite singer accentuated her curves in a heart-shaped bodysuit and peplum skirt
High heels: The Bang Bang singer strutted on stage in over-the-knee suede Louboutin boots with glittery heels
The Love Me Harder singer wore over-the-knee Christian Louboutin suede boots with glittery high heels as she entertained fans with her impressive vocal range.
The Bang Bang singer accessorized with a silver choker necklace, pearl earrings and a number of rings on each hand. She showed off a blood red manicure as she held the microphone.
Grande ditched her beloved kitty ears in favor of black lace bunny ears and pulled her long blonde hair back in her trademark ponytail.
Impressive range: The brunette singer performed her hits for fans in Tampa
Hitting the high notes: The ex of Big Sean gives it her all as she's surrounded by her dancers
The singer, who will appear on upcoming Fox horror comedy Scream Queens this fall, thanked her fans for standing by her.
'Absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude,' she wrote on Twitter after the concert.
'I love love love you, babes. and appreciate you. more than you'll ever know.'
A lot of love here: The Love Me Harder hit maker shared this note about her 'gratitude'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3165589/Ariana-Grande-calls-America-best-country-world-returns-stage-time-Donutgate-sexy-heart-shaped-bodysuit.html#ixzz3gBKAKqJq
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