Ariana Grande addressed her upcoming break from the public eye during a concert in Chicago, telling fans the decision was made long ago and was not a reaction to public scrutiny. The singer paused her show to speak directly to the audience, saying the plan had been quietly set in motion some time ago and that nothing has been ruined.
Grande's representative had previously said the singer would step out of the spotlight after finishing her Eternal Sunshine Tour, citing endless ongoing public scrutiny. The pop star has also dropped out of the London-based musical "Sunday in the Park with George," which was scheduled to open next year.