Ariana Grande (33) has now personally addressed her planned break from the spotlight. The singer took the stage on Monday for a performance of her "Eternal Sunshine Tour" in Chicago - shortly after her spokesperson told "People" that she would be "stepping back from the public eye" once her current concert series ends.
"Not a spontaneous or impulsive decision"
In an apparently prepared speech, Grande explained her retreat to her fans. "The announcement that was made yesterday was not a spontaneous or impulsive decision. It's something I had consciously planned", the 33-year-old said according to the magazine, adding that she had made this plan "quietly, a long time ago". Later, she also told her fans that it wasn't true that "negative influences" were "making her life miserable".
"No matter what noise is out there - nothing will be able to distort my reality or be more real or less real to me than this love that we share", Grande told her audience according to "People". At the end of her speech, she described the "Eternal Sunshine Tour" as "one of the most healing, beautiful, right, and special experiences" of her life.
"That felt good", she said before continuing the show. "I wish words were enough to express how much I love you." Her tour continues this week with two concerts in Chicago, followed by ten shows in London. On September 1st, Ariana Grande will take the stage there one last time for now.
"Well-deserved break"
Over the weekend, a spokesperson for Grande had stated: "Ariana will be stepping back from the public eye somewhat after completing the 'Eternal Sunshine Tour.'" She is looking forward to completing the tour "both healthy and happy". Afterwards, the artist wants to give herself "a well-deserved break" from performances, "which have led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny", the spokesperson continued.
Grande's appearance and health condition have been the subject of public discussion for years. However, fans can see the "Wicked" star on the big screen again during her break: At the end of November, the film "Meine Frau, unsere Schwiegertochter und ich" will be released, in which Grande stars alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro.
