Ariana Grande met a very special fan backstage at her concert in Atlanta last night: US Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.

The 26-year-old pop star shared a photo with the 78-year-old Vermont senator with the words “MY GUY” to her 60m followers on Twitter and her 167m on Instagram. Sanders was in town for the latest Democratic debate.

“Thank you Senator Sanders for coming to my show, making my whole night and for all that you stand for,” Grande wrote on social media, adding praise for the organisation Head Count, which seeks to register young people to vote. “Head Count and I are doing our best to make you proud. I’m so proud of my fans for paying attention and getting involved. We adore you!”

“Also,” she added, “I will never smile this hard again.”

Sanders also shared the photos on social media. “I want to thank Ariana Grande for not only being a wonderful entertainer, but also for being such an outstanding advocate for social justice,” he wrote. “We must all be prepared – like Ariana has shown – to fight for everyone who is struggling. It was great to meet her in Atlanta last night.”

Although Grande did not offer an official endorsement, her post could be read as tacit support for the democratic socialist candidate. Jane Sanders, Bernie’s wife, wrote more explicitly: “Thank you Ariana Grande for supporting Bernie Sanders’ candidacy for president! Your Atlanta concert last night was incredible!”

Visit the Bernie Sanders campaign website here and consider donating or volunteering your time if you have the means to do so.

Check out Grande’s Instagram post above, and Sanders’ Twitter post below.