Ariana Grande is to take a “much-deserved break” from public appearances and will no longer star in an upcoming musical production in London when she ends her Eternal Sunshine tour next month.
A representative for the US singer, 33, said that she “will be taking a step back from visibility” when the tour ends, after her appearances led to “endless, ongoing public scrutiny”.
The company behind a revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George, due to play at the Barbican in 2027, confirmed that she would no longer be part of the production and had its “complete understanding and support”.
Grande’s physical appearance and health have been a topic of speculation in recent years. This speculation has increased since the release of her latest album, Petal, which came out on Friday, and her appearance in promotional material for the launch.
In the music video, Grande plays a performer who is repeatedly told in auditions that she is “not good enough”, is “desperate” and that she “should get some work done” then that she has “too much work done.” The character eventually takes a chainsaw to the critics.
Grande’s representative stressed to People that the star was looking forward to finishing her 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”.
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They added: “She performs a very physical show, and there is a lot of athleticisms involved. She performs healthily and successfully at a very high-level night after night.”
Fans expressed a combination of support for the star and concern about her wellbeing, with the message #weloveyouariana trending on social media.
Her tour continues in Chicago on Monday, with three dates at the city’s United Center. It will then move to London’s O2 arena for 10 dates from 15 August, with the tour concluding there on 1 September.
The Thank U, Next and 7 Rings singer was billed to appear alongside her Wicked co-star, British actor Jonathan Bailey, in the new production of Sondheim’s critically acclaimed 1984 musical.
A representative for Empire Street Productions confirmed to the BBC that the musical would go ahead without Grande.
“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,” they 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.”
A spokesperson for the Barbican said: “We sincerely hope to welcome her to the Barbican one day when the time is right.
“Our brilliant theatre team are continuing their hard work preparing for Sunday in the Park with George to open at the Barbican in summer 2027 as planned, starring Jonathan Bailey and directed by Marianne Elliott.
“Further casting and details about the run, as well as information about how to buy tickets, will be announced soon.”
BBC
