Ariana Grande broke down in tears at London's O2 Arena on Tuesday night as she completed the final show of her Eternal Sunshine tour.
The 33-year-old pop star announced she is bidding farewell to showbusiness and taking a step back from the spotlight for the foreseeable future after spending three months performing for fans across the globe.
Addressing the audience from the stage at the indoor venue on the Greenwich Peninsula, Grande struggled to contain her emotions as she expressed her gratitude to her supporters.
She told the crowd: "It's been the most beautiful, extraordinary experiences of my life and I just want to express my gratitude without sobbing."
Grande added: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart, it has been so special and I'll cherish this experience always and I have the best fans in the entire world and I always have."
Signing off in tears, she continued: "Thank you for being by my side all the way from Honeymoon Avenue to Hampsted."
During the performance, Grande was overcome with emotion while singing her hit track One Last Time. She asked fans in the audience to help her sing the song as she struggled to get her words out.
Footwear change and injury
The singer ditched her trademark high heels for Ugg boots on the final night of the tour as she continues to recover from a minor injury.
On Monday, Grande shared an update on Instagram after fans noticed her limping on stage during a performance last week, revealing she was recovering from a deep cut.
She wrote: "My sweet petals, I wanted to let you know I will need to be in cozy footwear for this evenings show (and possibly tomorrow's) as I am bandaged up underneath, recovering from a minor injury."
Grande continued: "It is not a sprain or anything muscular but just a deep cut! So when you see me tonight without my signature heels, or even possibly having a little trouble putting weight on that foot, that is why!"
She added: "But please do not fret. On with the show and I am on the mend. I cannot wait to perform for you tonight and tomorrow (even if I am a few inches shorter than usual)."
Pre-planned career break
Last month, Grande clarified from the stage that her career hiatus had been quietly planned a long time ago. She insisted that the decision was not made because negativity was ruining things for her.
Speaking directly to her fans during a show on the tour, which kicked off in North America in June, Grande explained that boundaries needed to be set and human beings can need a break sometimes.
She told the crowd: "Sometimes when a story comes out that's not directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion. So I just wanted to speak to my fans directly tonight because I love you so much. The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing."
She added: "It is something that I had decided to plan that I had quietly made a long time ago and it's a decision that was made from a thoughtful and empowered place. And I want you to know many things can be true at the same time."
Grande continued: "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. Honestly, this is not what that is."
She emphasized: "And I just want to be very, very clear: Multiple things can be true at the same time. Yes, boundaries, they 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."
Grande gushed to the crowd: "No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will ever be able to distort my reality or be more real to me or elaborate to me than this love that we share."
She concluded: "The rest of that s**t is not mine to carry, so I don't carry it. 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."
Withdrawal from West End musical
Grande's decision to step away from the spotlight means she has withdrawn from her starring role in the upcoming London revival of Stephen Sondheim's musical Sunday In The Park With George, which was scheduled to open at the Barbican Centre in summer 2027.
She was set to reunite in the production with her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey, who plays Fiyero opposite her role as Glinda in the movie adaptation of the musical. Following Grande's announcement, Bailey has also pulled out of the stage show in support of his friend.
Bailey shared a statement on Instagram announcing his decision: "Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering. Marianne is extraordinary and one of my longest collaborators and friends. After much consideration, I have decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George."
He continued: "This brilliant, introspective musical has been a real passion project for me, and I feel incredibly lucky to have shared in its journey with this team. Among many things, the story explores the deep connection between George and Dot, a beautiful, devoted pairing, and I so look forward to seeing what the two actors who will now take on these roles will create with it."
Bailey added: "I wish the very best to the entire company, I will be cheering them on as they continue with this production. Jonny x"
