Ariana Grande spoke directly to her fans for the first time after news broke that she would be stepping back from public life following the conclusion of her Eternal Sunshine Tour.Amid chatter around her physical appearance and concern over her health, the singer took to the stage at Chicago’s United Center on Monday, August 3, and delivered an emotional four-minute speech, explaining her decision to ‘take a break’. While the announcement came amid controversy over her shrinking body size, Ariana revealed that her plans to step back had been in the works for a long time.
Ariana Grande shares 4-minute speech with fans
Addressing the audience, Grande said she wanted to clear up misconceptions after seeing reports surrounding her announcement. “Sometimes when a story comes out that’s not directly from me, things can be a little blown out of proportion so I just wanted to speak to my fans directly tonight because I love you so much. It means a lot to me to let you know how I’m feeling and not let the world project… I would just like to clear the air about a few things if that’s okay.“
Ariana Grande on hiatus announcement
“So basically, the announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing. It is something that I have decided, a 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 that many things can be true at the same time. 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.“The Grammy-winning star emphasised that her hiatus was made as a healthy personal decision. “This is not what that is. I just want to be very, very clear. Multiple things can be true at the same time. Boundaries can 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. So, I just wanted to make that quite plain.”
Ariana Grande’s message to fans
“I have one more thing to say! No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will ever be able to distort my reality or be more real to me or louder to me than this love that we share in this room. Or how it feels to make art with the people that I love and respect. Absolutely nothing will change that or distort that for me.”Grande concluded the speech by thanking fans for their unwavering support and describing the tour as one of the most meaningful experiences of her career. “I love you and this is what I will always take with me and carry with me because the rest of that sh-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. And so has putting out Petal. It’s been extraordinary and I just needed you to know. That feel good. Thank you very much. I wish that words were enough to articulate just how much I love you all and how much you mean to me.”
About Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine tour
Ahead of the concert, Grande also shared her excitement on Instagram Stories, writing, “See you tonight, my sweethearts!!! I cannot wait and love you so,” alongside a performance clip.The Eternal Sunshine Tour will continue with two more shows in Chicago before heading to London’s O2 Arena for a 10-show run, concluding on September 1.
Ariana Grande sparks health concerns
On Sunday, Grande’s representative confirmed to People that the singer would be taking a break from public-facing work once the tour wraps. The announcement follows weeks of intense online discussion surrounding Grande’s physical appearance, particularly after the release of her “Petal” music video on July 31. The singer has not publicly confirmed any health condition, though speculation about her appearance has circulated widely online.
Ariana Grande’s mom reacts
Amid the growing attention, Grande’s mother, Joan Grande, publicly showed her support by commenting on one of the singer’s recent Instagram posts. “You are magnificent… And this video is incredible!! I love it and I love you more!!!” she wrote.It was also reported that Grande will no longer star alongside her ‘Wicked’ co-star Jonathan Bailey in the upcoming West End revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George, which had been scheduled to open at London’s Barbican Centre next summer. As per reports, work is on to recast the singer.
