Ariana Grande to step back from public life, exit London Musical

A Step Back from the Spotlight

Ariana Grande's decision to step back from public life and exit a London musical has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. The 33-year-old singer has been under intense scrutiny since the release of her latest album, “Petal,” and her appearance in promotional materials. The album's music video features Grande portraying a performer repeatedly told in auditions she is “not good enough,” “desperate” and that she should “get some work done” then that she has “too much work done.” The character ultimately takes a chainsaw to her critics.

Grande's representative stressed to People that the singer is looking 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.” “She performs a very physical show, and there is a lot of athleticism involved,” the representative added. “She performs healthily and successfully at a very high level night after night.”

Fans have expressed both support and concern, with the hashtag #weloveyouariana trending on social media. Grande's tour resumes Monday in Chicago with three dates at the United Center before moving to London's O2 Arena for 10 shows beginning Aug. 15. The tour concludes Sept. 1.

The “Thank U, Next” and “7 Rings” singer had been billed to appear alongside her “Wicked” co-star, British actor Jonathan Bailey, in the new production of Sondheim’s critically acclaimed 1984 musical. A representative for Empire Street Productions confirmed to the BBC that the production would proceed without Grande. “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,’” the representative said. “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.”