Ariana Grande insists showbiz break was pre-planned

Bang Showbiz on Aug 4, 2026

Published in Women

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Ariana Grande has told fans her decision to step back from public life after her Eternal Sunshine tour is one she made "a long time ago".

Rejecting suggestions the move was an impulsive response to online criticism, it emerged on Wednesday (05.08.26) the singer, 33, paused her concert at Chicago's United Center on Monday (03.08.26) evening to address growing speculation surrounding her plans after a statement from her representatives confirmed she would take a break from public-facing work once her current tour concludes.

The singer and actress, whose Eternal Sunshine tour has coincided with continued success following Wicked and anticipation for the second instalment, Wicked: For Good, directed by Jon M. Chu and co-starring Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum, said the decision had been carefully considered long before recent online discussion about her appearance.

Addressing the audience during a four-minute speech, Ariana said: "Can we get a little real tonight?"

She continued: "The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing.

"It is something that I had decided to plan. It was a thoughtful decision. It was an empowering decision. I made it quietly, a long time ago."

Ariana also dismissed claims criticism on social media about her body had forced her into taking a break.

She said: "No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will be able to distort my reality or be more real to me… as this love that we share."

Describing the tour, she added: "One of the most healing, beautiful, correct and special experiences" she has ever had.

Before returning to the performance, Ariana told the audience: "That felt good. I wish that words were enough to articulate how much I love you."

Her comments followed a statement released over the weekend by her representatives confirming she intended to reduce her public profile after completing the tour.

The spokesperson said: "She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.

"This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much."

According to Page Six, one source said Ariana had been "overworked", while another suggested the "nonstop public scrutiny" surrounding her appearance had been more significant than her workload.

The announcement also came shortly after producers of the West End revival of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George confirmed Ariana had withdrawn from the production, in which she had been expected to appear opposite her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey.

In a statement shared on social media, the production said: "Following this evening's announcement from Ariana Grande's team, we can confirm that she has decided to step back from 'Sunday in the Park with George.'

"We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support."

Ariana has repeatedly addressed public discussion surrounding her appearance since 2023.

In her 2024 single Yes, And?, from the album Eternal Sunshine, she sang: "My face is sitting, I don't need no disguise / Don't comment on my body, do not reply / Your business is yours, and mine is mine."

She has previously said changes to her appearance reflected healthier personal choices, including following a vegan diet and giving up alcohol.

The singer, who first found international fame on Nickelodeon's Victorious before building one of pop music's most successful careers with hits including Thank U, Next, 7 Rings, No Tears Left to Cry and We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love), has spent much of the past two years balancing a demanding music schedule with her transition back into acting through Wicked.

Reports have also linked her personal life to renewed attention following claims she has reconciled with former boyfriend Ricky Alvarez after previously ending her relationship with Ethan Slater, although Ariana has not publicly commented on those reports.