Ariana Grande has addressed her fans directly for the first time since revealing plans to step away from the spotlight, insisting the decision was made "a long time ago" and was not a reaction to recent events.
The 33-year-old singer spoke during her Eternal Sunshine Tour concert in Chicago on Monday night, days after her publicist announced she would take "a step back from visibility" once the tour concludes next month.
Planned Decision, Not Impulsive
Grande was keen to reassure supporters that the announcement was not a spur-of-the-moment response to headlines. "The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing," she said. "It is something that I had decided to plan... quietly, a long time ago."
She also dismissed concerns about her wellbeing, hinting that her private life is going well. "I heard my fans were worried negativity was ruining things for me but... that could not be more than the opposite," she added. "Boundaries need to be set, human beings do need a break sometimes."
Emotional Address to Fans
Reading from prepared notes to avoid getting emotional, Grande explained the choice came from "a thoughtful and empowered place" rather than distress. "No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will ever be able to distort my reality, or be more real to me than this love that we share," she continued. "I love you, this is what I want always... the rest of that stuff is not mine to carry."
The "Thank U, Next" hitmaker said she wanted to speak personally because "sometimes when a story comes out that isn't directly from me, it can get a little blown out of proportion."
Break from Public Life
Her comments follow a representative's confirmation that the singer would take a "well-earned break" from public life due to "endless, ongoing public scrutiny." Grande has faced constant speculation over her slimmed-down appearance and health in recent years, prompting an outpouring of support from fans, with #WeLoveYouAriana trending on social media.
The break also means the Wicked star will withdraw from a planned London production of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George at the Barbican, where she was due to reunite with co-star Jonathan Bailey.
