Ariana Grande will “step back from visibility” after completing her ‘Eternal Sunshine Tour,’ and has withdrawn from the planned 2027 West End revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George. A representative for Grande said the singer intends to finish the tour “on a high note, both healthily and happily,” before taking “a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny. This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”
Grande had been set to reunite with her ‘Wicked’ co-star Jonathan Bailey in the London production at the Barbican Theatre, where she was expected to play Dot and Marie. Producers confirmed her departure in a statement to the BBC, writing: “Following the announcement from Ariana Grande’s team, we can confirm that she has decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George. We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support. We wish her nothing but the best.”We sincerely hope to welcome her to the Barbican one day when the time is right. Our brilliant theatre team are continuing their hard work preparing for Sunday In The Park with George to open at the Barbican in summer 2027 as planned, starring Jonathan Bailey and directed by Marianne Elliott. Further casting and details about the run, as well as information about how to buy tickets, will be announced soon.”
The announcement follows months of intense public discussion surrounding Grande’s appearance and health, as well as the recent release of her eighth studio album, Petal. The singer has previously addressed the impact of persistent commentary about her body, describing the scrutiny as dehumanizing. Her representative emphasized that the tour has been a rewarding experience and said Grande remains grateful for the support she has received from fans throughout the run.
Ironically just last month, Grande had detailed a new mental health initiative designed to support members of the music industry, expanding the work of her recently launched Brighter Days Ahead Foundation through a partnership with nonprofit organization Backline. The initiative builds on the Brighter Days Ahead Foundation, which Grande officially introduced in June after years of supporting charitable causes privately. The foundation focuses on four key areas: expanding access to mental health care, protecting LGBTQ+ rights, supporting civil and reproductive justice efforts, and providing emergency relief during crises. When announcing the organization, Grande said, “Our mission is to support, protect and provide resources for our vulnerable friends in need.” She added, “Through four different funds, we will be supporting handfuls of incredible organizations that provide the safe space and care that is desperately needed by so many right now.”
Grande’s Eternal Sunshine Tour concludes Sept. 1 in London before she begins her planned hiatus from public-facing commitments. Although she is stepping away from future stage appearances for now, audiences will still see her in the upcoming comedy film Focker-in-Law, scheduled for release later this year.
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