Ariana Grande ended her North American run of her Eternal Sunshine Tour with a show in Chicago on Thursday night in a way I can only describe as emotionally available. Following her final performance at United Center, she took to Instagram and wrote a message that felt simultaneously excited and exhausted. She stated I am overcome with love and the utmost gratitude. Thank you for the most special beautiful happy, and fulfilling few months of my life on the road.. The post included a selection of onstage and down time backstage photos showing the considerable energy of a tour that has been following her around the country since the beginning of June. Traveling from Oakland to Los Angeles Atlanta New York Boston Montreal and completing the circuit in Chicago, the shows were often sold out in the thousands while creating the over the top experience fans had waited years for.
The now 33 year old Grande made it clear that these memories would stay with her long after the lights were turned off, and expressed her gratitude for Chicago. She also anticipated the last remaining dates with excitement and gratitude, highlighting her excitement and appreciation for the way the tour was received in London. The London shows will also act as the concluding chapter of the tour. Starting August 15, Grande is expected to play a ten-night stint at London’s most premium venue, The O2 Arena, concluding on September 1. After these dates she plans to take a step back from public appearances and everything else that needs her to be in the public eye.
Details of the break out soon after have been leaked by a spokesperson, and by making the announcement early this week, has been seen as a cooldown moment after much rock solid gazing. The statement detailed, The tour has been a really beautiful experience and she adores her fans but the constant attention of the public has been rather demanding. Grande aired the matter straight away at her first Chicago show earlier this week. While on stage she told the audience that the decision was not an emotional or knee jerk one. It is something she has been working at secretly for a long period of time, something she put a great deal of thought into and was in a powerful, logical head space to be able to say no.
She spoke about boundaries she needed to establish, and putting her own mental and physical health first after a long period where she felt she lived ‘under a microscope’. Clarification appeared to be directed at putting a kibosh on the speculation that external concerns were Mainly responsible for her choice, even if the ongoing scrutiny of her face and life in the media has been Clearly just one element in the pressure she has experienced. This future pause also has the singer missing out on the scheduled West End revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George, which would have reunited her with fellow Wicked star, Jonathan Bailey.
This reflects how purposeful this hiatus appears to be. While she launched her newest record Petal days ahead of the announcement of the layoff and juggled film production, a tour, and the constant expectations of fame, Grande has decided to make room for herself.
