US pop star Ariana Grande is set to take an indefinite break from her professional career after completing her ongoing ‘Eternal Sunshine Tour’, following a prolonged period of public scrutiny, body-shaming and personal pressure.
A representative for Grande confirmed the decision in a statement to US media, saying the singer intends to step away from the public spotlight to focus on her personal life and wellbeing. Her current tour consists of 41 shows, with its final leg scheduled to take place at London’s O2 Arena, where she is due to perform 10 consecutive concerts.
Grande is expected to complete the final concert on 1 September, after which she will begin her break. No specific timeframe has been given for her return to music or other professional commitments.
The singer is also withdrawing from a planned stage appearance in London’s West End. Grande had been expected to appear next summer in the musical ‘Sunday in the Park with George’, but has decided to leave the production. Her representative said the decision was made with her physical and mental wellbeing in mind.
The announcement comes after an exceptionally demanding period in Grande’s career and personal life. Over the past year, she has been heavily involved in the promotion of the much-discussed film ‘Wicked’, while also releasing her eighth studio album, ‘Petal’. Her three-year romantic relationship ending added another significant personal development to a period in which she remained under intense public attention.
Social media scrutiny has been another source of pressure. Grande has faced repeated comments about her appearance and body, with body-shaming and online trolling becoming prominent around the promotional campaign for ‘Wicked: For Good’. Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Michelle Yeoh were all subjected to public discussion and criticism concerning changes in their appearance and weight.
The attention surrounding Grande has also extended to her personal relationships. Her separation from ‘Wicked’ co-star Ethan Slater generated considerable public discussion, while her decision to alter lyrics to her popular song ‘Thank You, Next’ during concerts also attracted criticism.
For a performer whose career combines music, film, live performances and constant media attention, the demands of remaining in the public eye can be considerable. Grande’s decision therefore represents a shift away from that relentless schedule, at least for the foreseeable future.
Her immediate commitment remains the final stretch of the ‘Eternal Sunshine Tour’ in London. Once the final performance is completed, she is expected to step back from both music and acting without announcing a fixed date for her return.
The break will give Grande time away from the touring and promotional cycle that has dominated much of her recent career. For now, her representatives have made clear that personal wellbeing will take priority over further professional commitments.
