Grammy-winning pop star Ariana Grande has decided to step back from her music career and public life indefinitely, following relentless online body-shaming, public scrutiny, and prolonged mental exhaustion. The announcement was confirmed by her spokesperson in a statement released to US media outlets, detailing that the singer will begin her hiatus immediately after concluding her ongoing global concert series, the Eternal Sunshine Tour.
The 41-date tour will conclude with a ten-night residency at London’s iconic O2 Arena. Grande’s final performance before entering her sabbatical is scheduled for 1 September. Alongside her break from music, she has also withdrawn from her planned acting commitment in the West End production of Sunday in the Park with George, which was slated for next summer in London. Representatives confirmed that prioritizing her physical health and emotional well-being guided the decision to pull out of the theatrical project.
The past year has been exceptionally demanding for Grande both professionally and personally. Her schedule was dominated by extensive promotional tours for the cinematic adaptation of Wicked, the launch of her eighth studio album, Petal, and the public fallout from the end of her three-year relationship.
Online trolling and body-shaming proved particularly damaging to her mental health. During the promotional campaign for Wicked: For Good, intense online criticism targeted Grande alongside co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Michelle Yeoh regarding their noticeable weight loss. Subsequent public attention surrounding her split from Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, as well as backlash over altered lyrics to her hit single Thank U, Next during live performances, further exacerbated the pressure.
Grande’s spokesperson emphasized that taking time away from the spotlight has become essential. After a tumultuous period under public scrutiny, the singer intends to focus entirely on personal recovery, privacy, and long-term health before considering any future creative endeavors.
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