Ariana Grande Addresses "Stepping Back" Statement Live in Chicago: "Boundaries Are Needed, But This Journey Isn't Stopping"
Ariana Grande paused mid-show at Chicago's United Center on Monday, August 3, 2026 — opening night of her Eternal Sunshine tour — to speak directly to fans about a statement her team had released earlier that day announcing she would step back from public-facing work. "Sometimes things that don't come directly from me get overblown, so I wanted to talk to my fans directly, because I love you guys so much," she said, according to a live report from Rolling Stone.
What Grande said on stage
Grande told the crowd the decision was "not an emotional or impulsive act, but something I planned quietly a long time ago, from a thoughtful and self-possessed place." Addressing fan concern that online negativity had worn her down, she said: "Multiple things can be true at once — boundaries are necessary, people sometimes need rest, and this can also be, and will continue to be, one of the most beautiful experiences of my professional and creative life."
She added: "Whatever noise is out there can't distort my reality, and it will never be louder or more real than the love we share. The rest isn't mine to carry, so I'm not taking it with me."
What led to the statement
Grande's team had issued the statement earlier on August 3, saying she would "pause public-facing work and appearances" and that she intended to "end the tour in a healthy, happy place." The timing followed the July 31 (Thursday) release of her eighth album, Petal, and a wave of online commentary about her appearance after the video for "Petal" went live.
Grande also confirmed she is withdrawing from a West End revival of Sunday In The Park With George at London's Barbican Centre, originally set to open next summer. The production would have marked her West End debut, reuniting her with Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey. She remains attached to the film Focker-In-Law, alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, expected to release this November.
What's still on the schedule
- Remaining United Center dates: Wednesday, August 5 and Thursday, August 6, 2026 — Chicago
- Next stop: a ten-show run at The O2 in London