Ariana Grande has finally spoken out about her decision to step back from the spotlight, addressing fans directly during a concert in Chicago on 3rd August. The 33-year-old singer, who recently released her seventh studio album Petal, reassured her audience that the move was not impulsive but came from a "thoughtful and empowered place."
On-Stage Confession
Midway through her performance at the United Center, Grande paused to deliver a four-minute speech, aiming to "clear the air" following her team's announcement of her hiatus. Speaking to a visibly emotional crowd, she said: "Sometimes when a story comes out that’s not directly from me, things can be a little blown out of proportion so I just wanted to speak to my fans directly tonight because I love you so much."
The Thank U, Next hitmaker continued: "It means a lot to me to let you know how I’m feeling and not let the world project their feelings. I would just like to clear the air about a few things if that’s okay." She clarified that the announcement was not reactive, stating: "It is something that I have decided, a plan that I had quietly made a long time ago and it’s a decision that was made from a thoughtful and empowered place."
Addressing Fan Concerns
Grande, who has faced intense scrutiny over her health and appearance in recent years, acknowledged that fans were worried negative press was affecting her. She insisted: "I want to share this because I heard that my fans were worried that negativity was ruining things for me, but I just have to say that could not be more the f–k opposite." She emphasized that "multiple things can be true at the same time," adding: "Boundaries need to be set. Human beings can need a break sometimes. And also, this can be, and will continue to be, the greatest experience of my professional and creative life."
The Grammy winner described her recent shows as "special" and "healing," telling the audience: "No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will ever be able to distort my reality or be more real to me or louder to me than this love that we share in this room." She concluded: "I need to get out here and differentiate that from my truth for you all because I love you and this tour has been the most healing, beautiful, corrective, magnificent, special experience of my life."
Official Statement and Future Plans
Her representatives had earlier confirmed the hiatus in a statement, saying: "Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour. 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."
The 41-stop tour concludes in September, and Grande is also pausing her involvement in the West End revival of Sunday in the Park with George, where she was set to star opposite her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey. The production is still scheduled to debut at The Barbican in London next summer.
