Ariana Grande has concluded her Eternal Sunshine tour in London, delivering an emotional final performance before beginning a planned break from public life.
The 33-year-old singer was occasionally close to tears during Tuesday night’s show at London’s O2 Arena, most notably while performing One Last Time, which has taken on added significance as an anthem for survivors of the 2017 Manchester terror attack.
“London, I’m going to need you to help me on this one,” Grande told the audience before kneeling close to fans during the performance.
The emotional moments came as Grande prepares to step back from public-facing appearances following months of intense public scrutiny and speculation about her health and appearance.
Last month, her publicist announced that the singer would take a “step back from visibility” because of what was described as “endless, ongoing public scrutiny.”
The decision also includes Grande’s withdrawal from a planned production of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George at London’s Barbican next summer. She had been scheduled to appear alongside her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey, who also withdrew from the production on Tuesday.
Despite the scrutiny surrounding her health and appearance, Grande showed no obvious signs of struggling during her final London concert, apart from a foot injury that forced her to replace her trademark stilettos with knee-high platform boots.
She continued performing energetically, moving across the stage with her dancers and frequently going on tiptoe to compensate for the loss of height from her usual heels.
Her voice briefly faltered during Nowhere, Nobody as she sang the line, “Hard to believe in a perfect ending,” but she quickly regained her composure and continued the performance.
Towards the end of the show, Grande thanked her fans for their support and described the tour as one of the most meaningful experiences of her life.
“This has been one of the most beautiful extraordinary experiences of my life and I just wanted to express my gratitude without sobbing completely,” she said.
“I’ll cherish this experience always. I have the best fans in the entire world and I always have. Thank you for all of your effort and continuing to make this so special.
“I have loved every minute of this with you all and I just wanted to make sure I express how grateful I am.”
Grande announced her planned hiatus last month, shortly after releasing the music video for her single Petal, which prompted some fans to raise concerns about her weight.
One social media user wrote that the singer had “become so thin that people are genuinely concerned”.
Two days later, Grande’s publicist announced her “step back from visibility”, citing the continued scrutiny surrounding the singer.
A source close to Grande told People magazine that she “performs a very physical show… healthily and successfully at a very high level night after night.”
Grande subsequently reassured fans that the decision had come from a “thoughtful, empowered place” and had been planned “a long time ago.”
“I heard my fans were worried negativity was ruining things for me but, that could not be more than the opposite,” she said during a performance in Chicago.
“Boundaries need to be set, human beings do need a break sometimes.”
Even before announcing the hiatus, Grande had described the Eternal Sunshine tour, which began in the United States in June, as “one last hurrah”.
The singer had previously indicated that she wanted to devote more time to acting following her Oscar-nominated performance in Wicked.
Her 10-show residency at the O2 Arena therefore represented what could be fans’ final opportunity to see her perform live for some time.
About 200,000 people attended the London dates, with fans travelling from countries including China and Australia as well as cities across Europe.
During the second night, Grande surprised fans by bringing out her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo for a performance of their film duet For Good.
The residency received largely positive reviews, with Rolling Stone describing Grande as one of the best singers of her generation and noting that there were “no signs” of her struggling or not wanting to perform.
The Telegraph called the show “flawless”, while praising its elaborate staging and Grande’s affection for Britain.
However, The Guardian writer Kate Solomon said she was “gripped by genuine concern” for Grande despite enjoying the concert, expressing hope that the tour would not be remembered “for the wrong reasons.”
The NME praised Grande’s physical performance, with critic Nick Levine marvelling at how she moved across the stage in towering heels.
On the final night, however, Grande performed in platform boots after suffering what she described as a “deep cut” on her foot.
She later assured fans on Instagram that the injury was not serious, saying she was “on the mend” and would complete her final shows “even if I am a few inches shorter than usual”.
Grande completed the final performance with a smile, powering through songs including Dangerous Woman and Break Free before ending the show in her traditional fashion.
Attached to a harness, she ascended into the rafters of the O2 Arena before disappearing from view.
The performance left fans reflecting on when or whether Grande would return to touring.
Rachid, a London fan, said he was “devastated” by Grande’s decision to step away from touring.
“That’s why I really, really wanted to come to the last show because I was like, ‘What if she never comes back?’” he said.
“So that’s why I was here – to enjoy everything she has to give us, and hopefully she gets a nice break now.”
Manchester fan Nadine said she understood Grande’s decision.
“I’m not gonna lie, I’d do the same thing,” she joked. “Like, I made my money, got on stage, sang my heart out… I’d bugger off, too! Straight to Hawaii, or somewhere else where nobody knows who I am, you know what I mean?”
Lukas, who travelled from France for the concert, said Grande deserved the opportunity to prioritise her wellbeing.
“She’s said goodbye and now she’s gonna rest for her safety,” he said. “If she needs the break, she takes it and we, the real fans, understand.”
Polish fan Alejandro Grande, who insisted he was not related to the singer, said it was unfortunate that public speculation had influenced the situation.
“It’s sad that people are speculating about someone else’s health,” he said.
“And it’s sad that she has to make a decision for herself just to reclaim her power and her energy.”
Bella Hopkins from Bronsgrove agreed, saying Grande’s decision should be respected.
“Yeah, it’s completely up to her. I think people should respect how she feels and what she needs.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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