Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
Ariana Grande cried as she completed the final show of her Eternal Sunshine Tour ahead of taking a career break.
The 33-year-old singer broke down in tears on stage at London’s The O2 arena on Tuesday night (01.09.26) as she wrapped up her 41-date run across the USA, Canada and the UK, bidding an emotional farewell to her fans as she steps back from the spotlight.
Per the Daily Mail, Ariana choked up as she told the crowd: “It’s been the most beautiful, extraordinary experiences of my life, and I just want to express my gratitude without sobbing.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart, it has been so special, and I’ll cherish this experience always, and I have the best fans in the entire world, and I always have.”
In tears, she ended her speech by thanking fans for “being by my side all the way from Honeymoon Avenue to Hampstead”.
Ariana also became emotional while performing One Last Time (Attends‐moi), asking the crowd to help her sing as she struggled to get the words out.
For the penultimate and final shows, the three-time Grammy winner ditched high heels for “cosy” Uggs after suffering a “deep cut”.
Taking to Instagram on Monday (31.08.26), she penned: “My sweet petals, I wanted to let you know I will need to be in cozy footwear for this evening’s show (and possibly tomorrow’s) as I am bandaged up underneath, recovering from a minor injury.
“It is not a sprain or anything muscular but just a deep cut! So when you see me tonight without my signature heels, or even possibly having a little trouble putting weight on that foot, that is why!
“But please do not fret. On with the show, and I am on the mend! I cannot wait to perform for you tonight and tomorrow (even if I am a few inches shorter than usual) … I love you always.”
Hours before Ariana’s final show, Jonathan Bailey, 38, announced he had pulled out of Sunday in the Park with George – a month after she withdrew from the production – in support of his “dearest friend” choosing to take a “step back from visibility”.
Jonathan took to his Instagram Stories and penned: “Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering.
“Marianne [Sunday in the Park With George’s director] is extraordinary and one of my longest collaborators and friends.
“After much consideration, I have decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George.
“This brilliant, introspective musical has been a real passion project for me, and I feel incredibly lucky to have shared in its journey with this team.
“Among many things, the story explores the deep connection between George and Dot, a beautiful, devoted pairing, and I so look forward to seeing what the two actors who will now take on these roles will create with it.
“I wish the very best to the entire company. I will be cheering them on as they continue with this production.
“Jonny x.”
Following his announcement, Empire Street Productions, the producers of Sunday in the Park with George, confirmed the show will go ahead as planned next summer at the Barbican Centre in London, while they search for new stars to replace him and Ariana.
Taking to its Instagram Stories, Empire Street Productions wrote: “Following Ariana Grande’s withdrawal, Jonathan Bailey has informed the producers that he has also decided to withdraw from Sunday in the Park with George.
“Work on the production continues. Casting discussions are actively underway, and the creative team is reshaping the production around a new company while preserving the ambition and artistic integrity of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s musical.
“Further casting and production details will be announced in due course.”
Ariana paused her concert at the United Center in Chicago on August 3 to tell the audience her decision to step back from public life after her Eternal Sunshine Tour was made “a long time ago”, not in response to online discussion over her appearance.
During a four-minute speech, Ariana said: “Can we get a little real tonight?”
She continued: “The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing.
“It is something that I had decided to plan. It was a thoughtful decision. It was an empowering decision. I made it quietly, a long time ago.”
Ariana also dismissed claims that criticism on social media about her body had forced her into taking a break.
The God Is a Woman artist said: “No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will be able to distort my reality or be more real to me… as this love that we share.”
Ariana then described the tour as “one of the most healing, beautiful, correct and special experiences” she has ever had.
Before returning to the performance, the Wicked star told the audience: “That felt good. I wish that words were enough to articulate how much I love you.”
