US singer Ariana Grande has announced she will take a break from public appearances following the conclusion of her Eternal Sunshine tour next month, citing ongoing scrutiny about her physical appearance and health. She has also withdrawn from a planned 2027 West End revival of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park…
American singer Ariana Grande, 33, has announced plans to withdraw from public-facing work after completing her Eternal Sunshine tour, which concludes on 1 September in London. According to a statement from her representative to People magazine, Grande will be "taking a step back from visibility" due to "endless, ongoing public scrutiny" that has accompanied her recent appearances and work.
As part of this decision, Grande has withdrawn from a planned 2027 production of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George at the Barbican in London, where she was set to perform alongside British actor Jonathan Bailey, her co-star from the recent Wicked film. Empire Street Productions, the company behind the revival, confirmed the withdrawal and stated they had "complete understanding and support" for her decision. A replacement for the role has not yet been announced.
Grande's representative emphasized that the singer remains committed to completing her current tour in good health, describing her as performing "a very physical show" that requires "a lot of athleticism." The announcement comes shortly after the release of her latest album, Petal, and its accompanying music video, which sparked renewed public discussion about Grande's appearance. The video features a character repeatedly criticized at auditions about her looks and appearance choices—a narrative that appears connected to broader scrutiny Grande has faced regarding her physical presentation in recent years.
