Ariana Grande To Step Back From Public Life Following Tour

American singer Ariana Grande is set to withdraw from public appearances and will no longer star in an upcoming musical production in London when she finishes her Eternal Sunshine tour next month.

A representative for the 33-year-old singer told reporters that she will be taking a step back from visibility once the tour ends, explaining that her public appearances have led to endless and ongoing public scrutiny.

Following the announcement, the company behind a revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George, which was scheduled to play at the Barbican in 2027, confirmed that the singer would no longer be part of the show. The production team stated that she has their complete understanding and support.

Grande’s physical appearance and overall health have been a frequent topic of public discussion and speculation in recent years. The attention increased following the release of her latest album, Petal, as well as her recent appearances in promotional material for the launch.

In her latest music video, Grande plays a performer who is repeatedly told during auditions that she is not good enough, that she is desperate, and that she needs to change her appearance. The character in the video eventually turns on her critics with a chainsaw.

Addressing questions regarding her health, Grande’s representative stressed that the pop star is looking forward to finishing her current tour on a high note, both healthily and happily. The representative added that the singer performs a very physical show with a lot of athleticism involved, delivering high-level performances night after night before taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work.

The singer had been scheduled to appear alongside her Wicked co-star, British actor Jonathan Bailey, in the West End revival of the 1984 musical.

A representative for Empire Street Productions confirmed that the musical would go ahead without Grande, adding that they understand the decision could not have been easy and wishing her the very best. A replacement for her role in the West End show has not yet been named.

The tour is scheduled to continue in Chicago with three show dates at the United Center before moving to London’s O2 Arena for 10 dates starting August 15, with the final concert taking place on September 1.