Ariana Grande to take a break from public life amid 'endless' scrutiny

Ariana Grande has announced she will step back from public-facing engagements, citing concerns about "endless, ongoing public scrutiny".

A representative for the Wicked star said that she had withdrawn from a theatre production of Sunday In The Park With George in London in 2027.

The announcement comes just days after Grande, 33, released the music video for Petal, the titular single from her eighth studio album, which has sparked speculation about her health.

Late on Sunday, the singer's representative told People: "Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour.

"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.

"This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much."

Grande is currently on her Eternal Sunshine tour, which will come to the UK this month, with a 10-night residency at London's The O2.

Her final London show on 1 September will also mark the end of the tour.

Production company Empire Street Productions said the show would still go ahead and her part recast.

"Empire Street Productions have 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," the company told the Press Association.

"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. The production will open at the Barbican in summer 2027 as planned, and casting will be announced in due course."

Read more from Sky News:
The Sopranos star Vincent Pastore dies
Sam Fender and Olivia Dean make history

Grande had been due to appear opposite her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey in the production of Stephen Sondheim's musical, inspired by the Georges Seurat painting A Sunday Afternoon On The Island Of La Grande Jatte.

The original musical, created by Sondheim and James Lapine, debuted on Broadway in 1984 starring Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters.

Grande has previously spoken out about her "vulnerability" when it comes being in the spotlight and having people constantly comment on her body.

She has also been open about her mental health following the Manchester Arena attack at her concert in May 2017 when a suicide bomber killed 22 people.

Grande has won three Grammy Awards amid a successful music career which took off in 2013 after the release of her debut album, Yours Truly.

She first found fame playing Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon television shows Victorious and Sam & Cat.

Grande was nominated for an Oscar for her role as Glinda in the big-screen adaptation of Wicked.

(c) Sky News 2026: Ariana Grande to take a break from public life amid 'endless' scrutiny