Ariana Grande will take a break from public-facing work after completing her current tour, citing years of intense public scrutiny over her appearance and wellbeing.
In a statement released by her spokesperson, the singer said she would step back from the spotlight after the tour concludes.
"She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily," the statement said, adding that she would take "a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny."
The announcement comes days after Grande released her eighth studio album, Petal, and the music video for its title track.
The song explores the pressures of fame, while the accompanying video depicts Grande portraying different pop star personas seeking approval from talent scouts, who repeatedly criticise her appearance before telling the final character they miss "the way you used to be."
Grande previously addressed public comments about her body in a 2023 video, urging people to stop commenting on the appearance of others.
"I think we should be gentler and less comfortable commenting on people's bodies, no matter what," she said.
She also explained that a period many people considered her healthiest was, in reality, one of the most difficult times in her life.
"The unhealthiest version of my body," she said, adding that "healthy can look different."
Grande is expected to continue the Eternal Sunshine Tour, including upcoming performances in Chicago before concluding with 10 shows at London's O2 Arena, ending on 1 September.
Her decision to step back also means she will no longer appear alongside Jonathan Bailey in Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George at London's Barbican in 2027.
Grande has spent more than 15 years in the public eye, rising to fame through Nickelodeon's Victorious and Sam & Catbefore becoming one of pop music's biggest stars.
She has earned 20 Grammy Award nominations, won three Grammy Awards and received an Academy Award nomination in 2025 for her role as Glinda in Wicked.
The singer has also spoken publicly about living with depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), coping with post-traumatic stress disorder following the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, and the grief she experienced after the death of rapper Mac Miller.
Earlier this year, she launched the Brighter Days Ahead Foundation, a mental health initiative supporting performers and crew members on her current tour.
