Ariana Grande broke down in tears as she completed the final show of her Eternal Sunshine tour at London’s O2 Arena on Tuesday, ahead of her career break.
The singer, 33, has has been performing for her beloved fans around the world for the past three months.
And tonight the star said goodbye to show business as she plans to take a step back from the spotlight for the time being.
On stage, Ariana tearfully said, “They have been the most beautiful, extraordinary experiences of my life and I just want to express my gratitude without sobbing.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart, it was so special and I will always cherish this experience and I have the best fans in the world and I always have.”
Signing off in tears, she continued: “Thank you for being by my side all the way from Romantic Avenue to Hampsted.”
Ariana Grande broke down in tears as she completed the final show of her Eternal Sunshine tour at London’s O2 Arena on Tuesday, ahead of her career break
The emotional star is saying goodbye to show business and plans to take a step back from the spotlight for the time being
Ariana was overcome with emotion while singing One Last Time and asked fans to help her sing the song as she struggled to get her words out.
The hitmaker ditched her signature high heels for Uggs on the final night of her tour as she recovers from a minor injury.
Ariana shared on Instagram on Monday that she is recovering from a “deep cut” after fans saw her limping on stage last week.
She wrote, “My dear petals, I just wanted to let you know that for tonight’s show (and possibly tomorrow’s) I will need comfortable shoes as I am bandaged up underneath and recovering from a minor injury.
‘It’s not a sprain or anything muscular, just a deep cut! So if you see me tonight without my signature heels, or maybe even having a little trouble putting weight on that foot, that’s why!
‘But please don’t worry. On with the show and I’m on the mend. I can’t wait to perform for you tonight and tomorrow (even though I’m a few inches shorter than normal).”
Last month, Ariana clarified that her career break was “quietly planned a long time ago,” before insisting the decision wasn’t made because “negativity was ruining things for me.”
Ariana explained on stage during one of her shows, “Multiple things can be true at the same time. Yes, boundaries must be set. People may need a break sometimes.”
The hitmaker ditched her signature high heels for Uggs on the final night of her tour as she recovers from a minor injury (pictured earlier)
Ariana shared on Instagram on Monday that she is recovering from a “deep cut” after fans spotted her limping on stage last week
She added that her tour, which she kicked off in North America in June, “will remain the greatest experience of my professional and creative life.”
“Sometimes when a story comes out that isn’t directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion,” Ariana began. “So I just wanted to talk directly to my fans tonight because I love you so much. The announcement made yesterday was not reactive or impulsive.
“It’s something I decided to plan for and quietly made a long time ago, and it’s a decision that was made from a thoughtful and powerful place. And I want you to know that many things can be true at the same time.
“I want to share this because I heard my fans were worried that negativity would ruin things for me, but I have to say it couldn’t be more the opposite. Honestly, this isn’t what that is.
“And I want to be very, very clear: multiple things can be true at the same time. Yes, boundaries must be set. People may need a break sometimes. And this can and will be the greatest experience of my professional and creative life.’
“No matter what sounds exist, nothing will ever warp my reality or be more real or detailed to me than this love we share,” she gushed to fans from the stage.
“The rest of that s**t ain’t mine to wear, so I ain’t wearing it. I have to go here and separate that from my truth for all of you, because I love you and this tour has been the most healing, beautiful, corrective, magnificent, extraordinary experience of my life.”
Last month, Ariana clarified that her career break had been “quietly planned a long time ago,” before insisting the decision wasn’t made because “negativity was ruining things for me.”
Ariana’s departure from the spotlight means she has decided to leave her leading role in the London production of Sunday In The Park With George at the Barbican Center in summer 2027.
She was set to reunite with her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey for the anticipated show, but the actor has now also withdrawn from the production.
Jonathan shared a statement revealing his surprise departure in support of Ariana’s decision to pull out as well.
He wrote on Instagram: ‘Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering.
‘Marianne [the production’s director] is extraordinary and one of my longest collaborators and friends. After much thought, I have decided to take a step back from Sunday in the park with George.
“This brilliant, introspective musical has been a true passion project for me, and I feel incredibly lucky to have shared this journey with this team.
“The story explores, among other things, the deep bond between George and Dot, a beautiful, dedicated duo, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what the two actors who will now take on these roles will create with it.
“I wish the whole company all the best, I will be cheering them on as they continue with this production. Jonny x’
