Ariana Grande is set to have her London performances filmed for a forthcoming concert special.
The 33-year-old singer will commence a ten-show residency as part of her Eternal Sunshine tour at the O2 Arena next weekend, with the performances earmarked for capture for a new streaming event.
A source told The Sun’s Bizarre column that, despite all the chatter surrounding her, she has genuinely enjoyed returning to the stage as a pop star.
She hadn’t expected to tour again and doesn’t anticipate doing so for a long time, so she wants Eternal Sunshine to be preserved for posterity.
“It’s also the perfect gift to her fans while she takes a break from the spotlight,” the insider added.
This news follows Ariana’s public statement that she will step back from public life once her Eternal Sunshine tour finishes.
Last week, she paused during a Chicago show to explain to fans that the hiatus had been planned in advance.
The singer and actress stressed that the decision had been considered long before recent online discussions about her appearance.
Addressing the crowd in a four-minute speech, Ariana said: “Can we get a little real tonight?
“The announcement yesterday wasn’t a reactive or impulsive move.”
“It’s something I had decided to plan. It was a thoughtful decision. It was an empowering decision. I made it quietly, a long time ago.”
Ariana also pushed back against claims that social media criticism of her body forced the break.
She stated: “No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will distort my reality or feel more real to me… than this love that we share.”
Describing the tour as “one of the most healing, beautiful, correct and special experiences” of her life, she added that it had been meaningful in numerous ways.
Before resuming the performance, Ariana told the audience: “That felt good. I wish words could express how much I love you.”
Her remarks followed a statement from her representatives confirming the intention to scale back her public profile after the tour concludes.
The spokesperson said: “She looks forward to finishing the tour on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has subjected her to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.”
“This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has cherished every minute of this tour.”
According to Page Six, one source described Ariana as having been “overworked,” while another suggested that the relentless public scrutiny surrounding her appearance had been more taxing than her workload.
The news also followed confirmation from West End producers of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George that Ariana had withdrawn from the production, where she was set to perform opposite Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey.
In a statement shared on social media, the show’s team said: “Following this evening’s announcement from Ariana Grande’s team, we can confirm that she has decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George.” They added that the decision was one they understood and supported.
Ariana has repeatedly addressed public discussion around her appearance since 2023.
In her 2024 single Yes, And? from the Eternal Sunshine album, she sang: “My face is settled, I don’t need a disguise / Don’t comment on my body, do not reply / Your business is yours, and mine is mine.”
She has previously argued that changes to her look reflect healthier personal choices, including adopting a vegan diet and giving up alcohol.
The singer, who first gained international fame on Nickelodeon’s Victorious before building one of pop music’s most successful careers with hits like Thank U, Next, 7 Rings, No Tears Left to Cry and We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love), has spent much of the past two years balancing a demanding music schedule with her return to acting through Wicked.
Reports have also linked her personal life to renewed attention after claims she reconciled with former boyfriend Ricky Alvarez following a breakup with Ethan Slater, though Ariana has not publicly commented on those rumors.
