Global pop star Ariana Grande has announced plans to step away from public life following the conclusion of her Eternal Sunshine tour next month, citing what her team described as endless, ongoing public scrutiny.
The decision also means the 33-year-old singer will no longer appear in the planned 2027 London revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George at the Barbican Theatre.
A representative for Grande told People magazine that the singer “will be taking a step back from visibility” after completing her tour, explaining that sustained public attention had taken a toll.
The representative said Grande is looking forward to ending the tour “on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.”
They added that the singer’s performances have been physically demanding. “She performs a very physical show, and there is a lot of athleticism involved. She performs healthily and successfully at a very high level night after night.”
Grande’s decision comes amid renewed public discussion about her appearance and health, which intensified following the release of her latest album, Petal, on Friday.
In the album’s promotional music video, Grande portrays a performer repeatedly criticised during auditions, being told she is “not good enough,” “desperate,” and alternately that she “should get some work done” before later being told she has “too much work done.” The character ultimately responds by taking a chainsaw to her critics.
Confirming her withdrawal from the West End production, Empire Street Productions said it fully supports the singer’s decision. “Following this evening’s announcement from Ariana Grande’s team, we can confirm that she has decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George,” a company representative said.
“We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support. We wish her nothing but the best.”
The production company said the revival would proceed as scheduled, although a replacement for Grande has yet to be announced.
Grande is currently midway through her Eternal Sunshine tour, with performances continuing in Chicago before moving to London’s O2 Arena for a 10-night run beginning on August 15. The tour is scheduled to conclude on September 1, after which she is expected to begin her break from public appearances.
The Grammy-winning singer, known for hits including Thank U, Next and 7 Rings, had been expected to reunite on stage with her Wicked co-star, British actor Jonathan Bailey, in the acclaimed Sondheim musical before announcing her withdrawal.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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