Ariana Grande has spoken publicly for the first time since her publicist confirmed at the weekend that she will step back from visibility once her current tour finishes next month.
She addressed it on stage in Chicago on Monday, on the opening night of a three-date run at the United Center as part of the Eternal Sunshine Tour. The announcement, she told the audience, was not reactive or impulsive. It was something she had decided on and planned quietly, a long time ago.
She had also heard that her fans were worried negativity had spoiled things for her, and wanted to correct that. The opposite was true, she said. Boundaries have to be set, and people need a break sometimes.
Grande read from notes she had made, explaining she did not want nerves to make her forget anything. The decision, she said, came from a thoughtful and empowered place.
Her reason for saying it directly rather than leaving it to a statement was straightforward enough: when a story comes out that has not come from her, she said, it can get blown out of proportion.
Whatever noise exists elsewhere, she told the crowd, nothing can distort her reality or feel more real to her than the love she shares with them. That is what she wants, always, and the rest of it is not hers to carry.
The tour, and what follows
Grande described the tour as one of the most healing and special experiences of her life. It ends on 1 September, after a run of 10 nights in London. The London dates begin on 15 August.
A representative told People magazine on Monday that she would be taking a well-earned break, following what they characterised as endless, ongoing public scrutiny of her appearances.
Her physical appearance and health have been the subject of speculation for several years now.
Reaction from fans mixed support with concern about her wellbeing, and #weloveyouariana trended on social media after the announcement.
Her mother Joan added her own public backing, commenting on Grande’s latest music video on Instagram to call her daughter magnificent and the video incredible.
A West End casualty
One consequence of the break is that Grande will no longer appear in Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George at the Barbican in London next year. She had been due to star opposite Jonathan Bailey, her Wicked co-star.
A Barbican spokesperson said on Monday that the venue hopes to welcome her at some point when the timing is right, and that further casting news would follow shortly.
