Ariana Grande withdraws from London musical: "Stepping away from the spotlight"

Ariana Grande has withdrawn from the production of the musical "Sunday in the Park with George" in London's West End, as reported this Sunday evening. According to her representatives, the singer wishes to "step away from the spotlight" for a while following the conclusion of her current tour.

"Sunday in the Park with George" is expected to open next summer in London, starring Jonathan Bailey, who played Fiyero alongside Grande in the two "Wicked" films. Despite her withdrawal, a source close to the singer stated that she "looks forward to supporting the brilliant team bringing this project to life."

"She looks forward to finishing the tour on a positive note, healthy and happy, and then taking a well-deserved break from work and public appearances — something that has led to constant public criticism," the representative added.

According to an insider, the current show is physically demanding: "It is a very physical show, with many athletic elements. She is performing at a very high level, in a healthy and successful way, night after night." In recent years, Grande's appearance and health have been subjects of ongoing public discourse. The singer has previously addressed body criticism both online and through her music, such as in the song "Yes, And?" from her 2024 album "Eternal Sunshine." Her new album, "Petal," is described as an anthem regarding the complex and often toxic relationship between the artist and the public.

The current tour, which kicked off in June in California, is set to conclude after a series of London performances ending on September 1st. Following this, Grande will return to the big screen in November in the comedy "Focker-in-Law," the latest film in the "Meet the Parents" series, starring alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro.