Ariana Grande Addresses Fans for 1st Time Since ‘Step Back’ Announcement

Ariana Grande is speaking directly to her fans after a spokesperson for the pop star revealed her plans to take a step back from the public eye amid online scrutiny and concern over her body.

“See you tonight, my sweethearts!!!” Grande, 33, wrote via her Instagram Story on Monday, August 3, referring to ticket holders for her sold-out show in Chicago. “I cannot wait and I love you so.”

Grande also included a clip of her performing her song “Stay” at a previous Eternal Sunshine Tour show.

The singer is scheduled to perform her first show in Chicago on Monday evening at the United Center. Grande has a total of three shows in the Windy City before she jets across the pond to the O2 Arena in London next week.

Over the weekend, Grande’s spokesperson announced that the Grammy winner will be “taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour.”

“She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it 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,” the spokesperson said in a statement to People on Sunday, August 2. “This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”

Grande’s hiatus will begin after she wraps up the tour on September 1 after performing 10 shows in London. The actress will also no longer appear in the West End revival of Sunday in the Park With George opposite her Wicked costar Jonathan Bailey. The producers behind the highly-anticipated adaptation shared their support for Grande following the announcement.

“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,” Sunday in the Park With George’s official X account shared via a written statement on Sunday. “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.”

The musical added that the show’s summer 2027 opening will continue as planned and Grande’s replacement will be named at a later date.

News of Grande’s break came two days after she released her eight studio album Petal. In addition to releasing the record, Grande dropped a music video for her song of the same name. The “Petal” music video stirred instant controversy online as social media users shared their criticism and concern over Grande’s thin frame.

Grande has yet to publicly comment on the online discourse or the break. Us previously reached out to comment but did not hear back.

Amid the discourse, the pop star’s mother, Joan Grande, showed her support for her daughter.

“You are magnificent… and this video is incredible!! I love it and I love you more!!!” Joan replied to an Instagram post Ariana shared of behind-the-scenes moments from the “Petal” music video set.

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