Ariana Grande is addressing her shocking announcement.
Over the weekend, a rep for the 33-year-old pop star revealed that after her Eternal Sunshine Tour ends on September 1, she will be “taking a step back from visibility” amid the “endless, ongoing scrutiny” — a lot of which has been about her health over the years. This also means she will no longer be starring in the West End’s production of Sunday in the Park with George, which was set to debut in the summer of 2027.
Related: Ariana’s Mom Throws Support Behind Daughter After Break Announcement
Ari is now speaking out about her break for the first time during her show at the United Center in Chicago on Monday. Talking to the crowd with a written speech, she said:
“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. 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.”
After hearing whispers that her fans think the “negativity” is “ruining” her experience on the road, she made it clear that it is simply not true:
“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. 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.”
Ariana insisted the Eternal Sunshine Tour has been such a fulfilling and “healing” time of her life despite all the rumors:
“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. … 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. That felt good. I wish that words were enough to articulate how much I love you.”
All anyone wants is for Ariana to be okay! So, we hope she takes as much time as she needs on this break and enjoys it! May it be restful and rejuvenating for her! Watch her entire speech (below):
Ariana Grande with a speech at tonights show in reference to her break and the hate ???? #weloveyouariana pic.twitter.com/CB0tajXXk3
— ???????????????????????? (@D0LLIKE) August 4, 2026
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[Image via Ariana Grande/Instagram, MEGA/WENN]