Ariana Grande closes tour and begins public hiatus

Ariana Grande ended her 41-show “Eternal Sunshine Tour” in London on Tuesday night with an emotional farewell to fans, marking the start of her planned step back from public life after months of scrutiny over her health and appearance.

Speaking from the stage at the O2 Arena, Grande thanked the audience for making the tour “so special” and struggled to hold back tears.

“This has been one of the most beautiful, extraordinary experiences of my life,” she said, dressed in black and seated on a stool. “I just wanted to express my gratitude without sobbing completely.”

“I’ll cherish this experience always,” she added. “I have the best fans in the entire world and I always have. Thank you for all of your effort and continuing to make this so special. I have loved every minute of this with you all and I just wanted to make sure I express how grateful I am.”

The final show came after Grande announced last month that she would take a break from future public-facing appearances. Her representatives said she planned to finish the tour “on a high note, both healthily and happily,” then take “a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.”

The announcement followed the release of the music video for her latest single, “Petal,” which renewed public discussion about her health. The BBC reported that some fans expressed concern about her weight after the video. Grande later told fans during a show in Chicago that the decision came from a “thoughtful, empowered place” and had been planned “a long time ago.”

“I heard my fans were worried negativity was ruining things for me but… that could not be more than the opposite,” she said. “Boundaries need to be set, human beings do need a break sometimes.”

Grande performed the London finale in knee-high platform boots rather than her trademark heels after describing a “deep cut” on her foot as a “minor injury.” She said on Instagram that she was “bandaged up underneath,” “on the mend” and would complete the final shows “even if I am a few inches shorter than usual.”

During the concert, she was close to tears during “One Last Time,” a song that became an anthem for survivors of the 2017 Manchester terror attack. “London, I’m going to need you to help me on this one,” she said, kneeling near the audience as she sang. Her voice also faltered briefly during “Nowhere, Nobody” on the line, “Hard to believe in a perfect ending.”

The “Eternal Sunshine Tour,” named for Grande’s 2024 album, began in Oakland, California, in June. Grande had previously described the tour as “one last hurrah” and said she wanted to take on more acting roles after receiving an Oscar nomination for playing Glinda in the hit movie musical “Wicked.”

She had been scheduled to appear next summer at London’s Barbican in a revival of Stephen Sondheim’s “Sunday in the Park With George” with her “Wicked” co-star Jonathan Bailey, but withdrew last month. Bailey also pulled out Tuesday, writing on Instagram that “Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering.”

The BBC reported that Grande’s 10-show O2 residency drew 200,000 people, with fans traveling from China, Australia and across Europe. On the second night, she brought out “Wicked” co-star Cynthia Erivo for a rendition of their duet “For Good.”

For some fans, the final concert carried added weight. “What if she never comes back?” London fan Rachid told the BBC. Lukas, who traveled from France, said, “If she needs the break, she takes it and we, the real fans, understand.”