On stage: Ariana Grande addresses her decision to take a break
After her representatives confirmed over the weekend that she is "taking a step back" from the stage upon the conclusion of her tour, the star explained the decision to her fans: "It is something I decided. A plan I quietly formulated a long time ago."
Ariana Grande addressed her decision to step away from the spotlight on stage last night (Monday), following confirmation from her representatives over the weekend that she is taking a step back upon the conclusion of her concert tour.
"Sometimes when a story doesn't come directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion, so I wanted to speak directly to my fans tonight because I love you so much," Grande told the audience at the first of three shows at the United Center in Chicago. "The announcement that went out yesterday was not an impulsive thing. It is something I decided. A plan I quietly formulated a long time ago. It was a decision made from a calculated and empowered place."
Grande clarified that the break does not stem from the negative discourse surrounding her. "I heard that my fans were worried that negativity is ruining things for me, but I just have to say that it is as far from that as possible. That is not what it is. I want to be very clear: several things can be true at the same time." She explained that one needs to set boundaries, and that while human beings may need a break, this tour remains the "greatest experience of my professional and creative life."
"That is what I will always take with me and carry with me, because the rest of this noise around it is not mine, and I wanted you to hear it from me," she added, describing the tour as the most healing and special experience of her life.
Grande has also withdrawn from the planned West End revival of the musical "Sunday In The Park With George," in which she was set to perform alongside "Wicked" star Jonathan Bailey next summer. The announcement followed the release of her eighth album, "Petal," last Friday. Despite the upcoming break, she is still expected to appear alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro in the upcoming "Meet the Parents" sequel, scheduled for release in November.
