Ariana Grande has spoken publicly for the first time about her decision to take a break from public life, revealing it was a planned move made from an empowered place. During a performance in Chicago, she directly addressed the announcement that she would step back after her Eternal Sunshine Tour ends.
Addressing Fans Directly
Mid-performance at the United Centre, Grande halted her show to "clear the air about a few things." She told the sold-out crowd: "Sometimes when a story comes out that's not directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion, so I wanted to speak to my fans directly tonight because I love you so much."
She clarified that the announcement was not reactive or impulsive, but a plan she had "quietly made a long time ago," describing it as a decision from a "thoughtful and empowered place." She reassured fans that negativity was not ruining things for her, saying: "I promise you, this is not what that is."
Setting Boundaries
Grande emphasized that multiple truths can coexist: "Boundaries can need to be set. Human beings can need a break sometimes." She added that the tour has been and will continue to be "the greatest experience of my professional and creative life," and nothing will get in the way of that.
Reading from her phone, she continued: "This is what I will always take with me and carry with me, because the rest of that shit is not mine to carry, so I don't carry it." She described the tour as "the most healing, beautiful, corrective, magnificent, special experience of my life."
Background of Scrutiny
The announcement came after fans expressed concern over her appearance, particularly following the release of her music video for "Petal." A spokesperson had earlier said she would step back due to "endless, ongoing public scrutiny."
Grande was also due to appear in a production of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday In The Park With George at the Barbican in 2027, opposite Jonathan Bailey. Her representative told People: "Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour... She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much."
Grande has two more Chicago shows before heading to the UK for a 10-date residency at London's O2 Arena in August, ending September 1.
