Ariana Grande: Planned step back from public life after tour, not reactive

Published Aug 4, 08:53 AM UTC

Ariana Grande has clarified her decision to step back from public life after her Eternal Sunshine Tour, explaining to fans during a Chicago concert that the move was planned and not reactive. Her representative had previously cited 'endless, ongoing public scrutiny' as the reason. Grande will miss a scheduled 2027 Barbican production of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George. The announcement follows the release of her new album Petal and renewed public criticism of her physical appearance, which she has previously addressed in songs and social media posts. Grande emphasized that the tour has been the greatest experience of her professional life and that she is setting boundaries from a thoughtful, empowered place.