In the middle of her “Eternal Sunshine Tour,” Ariana Grande broke her silence in front of thousands of fans to explain her decision to temporarily step away from public appearances once her stage commitments end.
During her performance this Monday at the United Center in Chicago, the 33-year-old artist paused the show to lead a heartfelt and emotional four-minute speech. The intervention occurred shortly after her representative confirmed to People magazine that the Grammy winner will take a “deserved break” from the public eye to preserve her well-being.
Grande clarified that her distancing herself from the spotlight was neither an improvised measure nor a reactive response to constant media scrutiny and recent speculation on social media about her health, intensified after the premiere of the music video for her single “Petal.”
“The news that was announced yesterday was not something impulsive or reactive,” said the interpreter on stage. "It's a plan I quietly organized a long time ago and a decision made from a reflective and empowering place. I wanted to speak directly to you because I don't like the world projecting things that aren't."
Striking a firm tone to the crowd's applause, the singer emphasized the importance of self-care and setting boundaries in the entertainment industry. "Several things can be true at the same time. You have to set limits; human beings sometimes need a break. And at the same time, this can be and will continue to be the most extraordinary experience of my professional and creative life," he said.
The pop star wanted to convey peace of mind to his followers, ensuring that the negativity of the Internet does not overshadow the love he feels for his work or the bond with his audience. "Everything else is not my responsibility to carry, so I do not carry it. This tour has been the most healing, beautiful and special experience of my life," he concluded.
The “Eternal Sunshine Tour” will continue with its scheduled dates in Chicago before moving to London's O2 Arena for a ten-date residency, where it will officially culminate on September 1. As of that date, Ariana Grande will begin her break period out of the media spotlight.
