Singer and actress Ariana Grande will step away from public life following the conclusion of her Eternal Sunshine Tour, her representative announced in an official statement sent to the United States press.
Her representative stated that Grande is looking forward to ending the tour on a high note, healthy and happy, before taking a break from work and public appearances that have subjected her to constant and incessant public scrutiny. The representative added that the tour was a wonderful experience for Grande, who adores her fans and enjoyed every minute.
Variety reported that the Oscar-nominated Wicked star has stepped away from parallel projects, including a planned West End revival of Stephen Sondheim's stage musical Sunday in the Park With George. Grande was set to star in the premiere alongside Jonathan Bailey.
Deadline confirmed that Grande is leaving the Sunday in the Park With George production next summer. The outlet reported that her departure followed the release of her music video for the song Petal.
West End departure and chart milestones
Following the release of the Petal video, Grande received a wave of comments about her appearance, which United States media reported sparked speculation about her physical health.
The album sharing the same name as the song Petal is the three-time Grammy winner's eighth studio production. Its lead single, Hate that i made you love me, debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Universal Music confirmed that Grande became the first artist in history to debut the lead single of each of her first eight studio albums inside the top 10.
Upcoming film projects and foundation work
Variety reported that Grande will return to press conferences for her upcoming movie project, starring in Focker-in-Law alongside Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller. Universal expects the film to be a holiday success and will release it in theaters the day before Thanksgiving, requiring a promotional tour and public appearances.
In mid-June, Grande announced the creation of the Brighter Days Ahead foundation, which focuses on youth. The foundation works with Humanity Crew and the Protect & Defend Fund, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights, and reproductive justice.
In social media posts, Grande wrote that the mission of the foundation is to support, protect, and provide resources to vulnerable friends in need through four different funds.
Public dispute over immigration video
The foundation's launch coincided with a dispute in June when the White House published a video of federal agents arresting immigrants, set to Grande's 2024 song Bye. Grande wrote on social media asking that her music never be used in connection with what she called cruel and abominable nonsense.
Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson responded for the Donald Trump administration, stating that what is truly barbarous, inhumane, and atrocious are criminal illegal immigrants who have injured and killed innocent American citizens.
