Global pop sensation Ariana Grande has announced that her upcoming Eternal Sunshine arena tour will likely be her final major concert series for the foreseeable future, marking a significant shift in her career priorities.
The Final Hurrah: Tour Details and London Dates
The 32-year-old singer and actress confirmed during an appearance on the Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast that this tour represents a 'one last hurrah' before stepping back from international touring. Grande's first major tour in seven years will see her performing across the United States and Canada before concluding with an impressive 10-night residency at London's O2 Arena next summer.
This major production comes in support of her chart-topping album Eternal Sunshine, released in March 2024, which has reignited her passion for performing while simultaneously clarifying her need for change.
Prioritising Passion Over Pop Stardom
Grande spoke candidly about her decision to pause touring, explaining how her pop career had 'taken over' her life in ways she hadn't anticipated. 'That's something that is learned over time,' she reflected. 'For me, when I came into all of this, and my pop career sort of took over my life in a way, I didn't have that at all.'
The multi-talented performer revealed that diversifying her creative pursuits has brought renewed purpose. 'I spent so much time only doing pop music, but I grew up as a girl who loved musical theatre and comedy,' Grande explained, noting that chasing 'authentic impulses' now guides her career choices.
Hollywood Calling: Grande's Acting Renaissance
Grande's planned hiatus from music coincides with her flourishing acting career. She's currently receiving critical acclaim for her role as Glinda in the film adaptation of Wicked, alongside Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey. UK audiences can see her performance as Wicked for Good hits cinemas this week.
Beyond the Land of Oz, Grande is already filming her next major project - Fockers In-Law, the latest instalment in the Meet the Parents franchise, where she'll share the screen with Hollywood heavyweights Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro.
Reflecting on her career trajectory from Nickelodeon's Victorious to global pop stardom and now Hollywood success, Grande acknowledged how her perspective has evolved. 'I feel very privileged and grateful to have learned that there can be room for different creative endeavours,' she shared. 'I think the last 10 or 15 years will look very different to the ones that are coming up.'
With seven UK No.1 singles, seven studio albums, multiple streaming records, and two Grammy Awards to her name, Grande's temporary farewell to touring marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter focused on following her 'authentic impulses' beyond the pop music sphere.
