Ariana Grande has insisted her decision to take a career break came from a "thoughtful and empowered place".
On Sunday, a representative announced that the music superstar will be taking a "step back from visibility" after she wraps up the Eternal Sunshine Tour in London on 1 September.
Following speculation from fans, Ariana addressed the statement during her concert in Chicago, Illinois on Monday night, insisting that "things can be a little blown out of proportion".
"So basically, the announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing. It is something that I have decided, a plan that I had quietly made a long time ago, and it's a decision that was made from a thoughtful and empowered place," she asserted. "And I want you to know that many things can be true at the same time. I want to share this because I heard that my fans were worried that negativity was ruining things for me, but I just have to say that could not be more the f**k opposite."
The Break Free singer went on to emphasise that she has enjoyed every single one of her Eternal Sunshine Tour stops.
"Human beings can need a break sometimes. And also, this can be, and will continue to be, the greatest experience of my professional and creative life. So, I just wanted to make that quite plain," the 33-year-old shared. "No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will ever be able to distort my reality or be more real to me or louder to me than this love that we share in this room. Or how it feels to make art with the people that I love and respect. Absolutely nothing will change that or distort that for me."
And to conclude, Ariana thanked her fans for their ongoing support.
"I wish that words were enough to articulate just how much I love you all and how much you mean to me," she added.
Ariana has had a busy year, having gone on a publicity tour for her movie Wicked: For Good in late 2025, kicked off the tour in June, and released her eighth studio album, Petal, on Friday.
Over the weekend, the Hate That I Made You Love Me star confirmed she was pulling out of the summer 2027 London production of the musical Sunday in the Park with George.
