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Ariana Grande is clearing the air.During a concert in Chicago on Aug. 3, the "Thank U, Next" singer, 33, spoke out for the first time about her decision to step back from the public eye and take a break from working after the end of her Eternal Sunshine tour.At the show, Grande said that "sometimes, when a story comes out that's not directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion," so she wanted to speak "directly" to fans and "clear the air," according to videos from the concert shared on social media."The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing," she said. "It is something that I have decided, it's a plan that I have quietly made, a long time ago, and it's decision that was made from a thoughtful and empowered place."The Grammy winner, whose Eternal Sunshine tour is scheduled to conclude on Sept. 1, went on to address those who were "worried" that the "negativity" is "ruining things for me." She stressed that this is not the case."Multiple things can be true at the same time," she said. "Boundaries can need to be set, human beings can need a break sometimes, and also, this can be, and will continue to be, the greatest experience of my professional and creative life. No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will ever be able to distort my reality or be more real to me, or louder to me, than this love that we share."Grande announced her step back from the public eye via a statement from a representative that was first provided to People and was subsequently shared with USA TODAY."Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour," the statement said. "She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny."The statement continued, "This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much." Grande also bowed out of plans to make her West End debut in "Sunday in the Park with George" with Jonathan Bailey in summer 2027, according to People, The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline.Grande's decision came after a busy past year, during which she promoted her musical sequel "Wicked: For Good," went through the end of a three-year relationship, embarked on her first tour in six years, and released a new album.It also came as Grande has been facing continued scrutiny about her health based on her appearance, which she has previously condemned. In a 2023 TikTok video, the "Positions" singer told followers that "we should be gentler and less comfortable commenting on people's bodies, no matter what."And in 2024, Grande said in an interview with Salima Jeanne Poumbga, known professionally as Sally, that "commenting on others' looks, appearance, what they think is going on behind the scenes or health, or how they present themselves – from what you're wearing to your body, to your face, to your everything – there's a comfortability that people have commenting on that I think is really dangerous."Grande has not specified how long her career break will last, though her latest movie, "Focker-In-Law," is set to hit theaters in November.Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY
